Keeping Your Back Healthy and Strong
Anyone who has suffered from back pain knows how awful it can be. You don’t realize until the pain hits how much of your back you actually use. Depending on where the pain is, it can prevent you from working or even living a normal day-to-day life.
There are some things doctors can do to promote back health; however, some people suffer from pain that medications just don’t help. Strengthening the muscles in your back is one good way to combat back pain and Yoga is an excellent way to do this.
There are also a number of stretching exercises which can help prevent and ease back pain. Just the simple act of sitting up straight and standing tall and straight can help promote a stronger, healthier back.
Sometimes losing weight can lessen back pain, but losing weight can be difficult if you have to worry about straining your back. In cases like this, you should speak to your doctor regarding safe exercises as well as stretching techniques. Your doctor should be able to give you some valuable information regarding your back health.
Many people claim taking herbs and supplements really benefit their backs. Devil’s Claw is supposed to be helpful to people who are suffering from back pain. Personally, I find natural herbs to be excellent for back pain. You can take a very hot bath with apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt. You can also apply Dragon Balm or Tiger Balm. Dragon Balm is a lot harder to find, but Tiger Balm is made by the same people, but it isn’t as strong. Typically you can find Tiger Balm in the organic section of the grocery store or health food stores.
Lavender and peppermint are natural anti-inflammatory agents and can be mixed into mineral oil or petroleum jelly and applied to the back for a homemade back remedy. Lavender is also a natural muscle relaxant, so sometimes applying lavender oil directly to the muscle will calm and relax it.
You can see a chiropractor for additional back help, although they make me nervous because people I know who have gone to them at times have had symptoms worsen.
Sticking to a diet full of lean turkey, chicken and fish can help build muscle in your body, which can help you have a stronger back.
All-in-all, if you feel you can’t combat your symptoms on your own, you should seek the advice of a medical professional who can help.
