Back pain is one of the most common ailments that Americans suffer from. Many people have left work and stayed in bed for days at a time simply because their back is killing them. This is something you should not do. Going directly to the bed with an aching back may actually cause you more pain than relief because it could be your bed or the way you get in and out of the bed that is causing you the unbearable pain.
I have talked to a chiropractor who has said that back problems are usually caused from the bed that you sleep on. There is a connection according the many professionals between back problems and sleep deprivation.
Beds that are more than ten years old can play a major contribution to your back pain. This is simply because the springs within the mattress have taken ten years of bending and it can no longer withstand the weight that you give nor can the bed provide the proper support that you need. However, if you cannot afford to replace your mattress there may be a few positions to sleep in that will help you with back pain and sleep.
Try to sleep on your side with your knees bent. While in this position you should put a pillow between your legs. The pillow is needed between your legs to keep your hips aligned. You should also put a firm pillow under your head to help align your neck with your spine. This position is the best because the pressure will be taken off of your spine. Taking the pressure off of your spine will actually help your spine rest and recuperate from the hard day during your sleep.
If you have ruled out your mattress as a culprit in your back pain and the pain is more injury related then you should try some of these other tips to help ease the back pain that you are suffering from.
The first tip I can give is when you are sitting try not to slouch or let your legs dangle. The sitting equipment that you are using: whether it is a couch or chair, should sit straight. The back of the furniture needs to be firm to add extra comfort and support.
If you are driving in a car, there is a certain posture that you need to keep to prevent the commute and drives from causing you suffering. Your knees should remain even with your hips through the whole time that you are sitting in the car. While driving if your knee is extended when you reach for a pedal, you are sitting incorrectly and this posture will cause some back pain. Try to make sure that your knee does not extend but rather it stays bent right along with your hip line. If your travel period is a very long one that lasts more than two hours, try to bring a small pillow to put in the small of your back in order to have a little extra support.
The third back saving tip that I can give you is that standing straight is truly a back saver when you are working on your feet. Never allow your back to arch while in a standing position. Not only does this help your back feel better but it will also make your body appear much thinner. In order to keep your body straight while standing, you need to hold in your stomach and tuck your buns. Often while you are standing for long periods of time, you will feel an urge to switch from one foot to the other. Go right ahead and allow that switch but keep your back straight.
The urge to shift your weight is your spine letting you know that the arch on your foot has had too much pressure and it is time to relieve it. However, never stand on just one foot for long periods of time unless you are a ballerina. This mistake can tear your arch up creating a sensation that goes all the way to your spine. This sensation is often mistaken for back pain.
You may have a job where lifting is required. If this is so, your back is going to be under a lot of stress. It is important that you take extra care while performing your job duty. The truth is you are no good to your boss if you have damaged your back. While you are lifting, try to keep your back as straight as a board. Keep your legs even with your hips and bend your knees. Your legs are the strongest part of your body, so let those legs do the work that your back is not supposed to do.
The best remedy for back pain is to remember your posture in everything that you do. Try not to make your back do all the work that other parts of your body are actually meant to do. If you keep this important tip in your mind, you will eliminate a large portion of back pain from your daily life. You may even be able to get a good night’s rest and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning willing to face your busy day.
