Friday, May 9, 2008

Flat On Your Back Again!

  • Freeze the pain: Putting ice on your back for 5 minutes at a time can help prevent swelling and soothe nerves. Do this for a few days and you can really get to the point of the pain.
  • Stretch That Spasm: With just a gentle stretch you can work out some of those painful kinks. Just lay on your back and bring your knees up to your chest and hug them with your arms. Hold this position for five seconds and then relax. Just keep repeating until the spasm is gone.
  • Cram a cushion in your curve: One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to ease back pain is to put a lumbar roll behind the small of you back. This are available at most medical supply stores. A small, firm cushion will work as well.
  • Take a break: Take breaks from prolonged sitting. Stand up and bend backwards to stretch the muscles several times. Do the same if you have to stand in a bent over position.
  • Change chairs: Time spent choosing a chair and adjusting it to fit you can prevent a lifetime of back pain. The right chair should provide lumbar support and the seat should be the right height. Your feet should be flat on the ground and the thighs should remain horizontal. Using a chair that has arm rest will help take some pressure off of your back.
  • The perfect pillow: We spend one-third of our life with our head and shoulders propped up at an angle by a pillow. Some of the neck and back pain you are having could be from not having a good pillow. Choose a pillow that is slightly firm. One that will still keep its shape and support the lower neck well sleeping on your side.

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