7 Crazy and Unusual Treatments for Chronic Pain

7 Crazy and Unusual Treatments for Chronic Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain? As you know too well, the pain can affect your ability to work, socialize, and enjoy life. Chronic pain is a challenging issue to treat. However, scientists have found unusual treatments that can help reduce suffering.

 

If you’ve already tried traditional methods without success, then you may want to consider these unusual treatments:

 

1. Bee venom.

What??? Bee Venom?? Yes indeed! Bee venom can be used in an acupuncture treatment to help reduce chronic pain.

beehive

 

  • You may run from the bees in your garden, but their venom can actually help you. Bee venom acupuncture has to be done in a professional setting and not your yard.

 

  • A study titled, “Bee venom acupuncture for the treatment of chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial,” found that the venom can help patients. Researchers also found bee venom improves circulation and lessons inflammation.

 

  • If you’re allergic to bee stings, then you can’t use this treatment.

 

2. Sugar therapy.

Unfortunately, this treatment doesn’t involve eating cupcakes, cakes, candy, or other delicious treats.

 

  • Sugar therapy, or prolotherapy, involves injecting sugar solutions into painful joints and tendons. Doctors usually use a dextrose solution. The goal is to make the joints and tendons fix themselves.

 

3. Guided imagery.

You can use your brain to control chronic pain.

nature view

 

  • Guided imagery involves working with a professional to help you focus on specific pictures. These images are combined with words, so you work on eliminating illness from your body.

 

  • For example, you may visualize a scene that involves your cells reducing inflammation to make your pain go away.

 

These drugs are usually reserved for patients who suffer from seizures. However, they can also help those who have chronic pain.

 

  • It’s a medical mystery, but people are already using anticonvulsants to treat chronic pain. Scientists are still studying the treatment to determine why it helps with pain.

 

4. Pain pacemakers.

You can get a device similar to a heart pacemaker for pain. The pain pacemaker is used to stimulate the spinal cord with electrical signals. This helps to reduce the discomfort. The pain pacemaker requires surgery to be installed.

drawing of a human spine/skeleton

5. Spinal medication pumps.

Instead of sending electrical signals, these medication pumps send drugs to fight chronic pain.

 

  • The medication is sent to the spinal cord after you push a button. You can control how much and how often the pumps work. The medications used for the pumps tend to be in high doses.

 

These drugs are being used beyond treating depression. They can reduce chronic pain in some cases.

 

 

♦ Also Read: 6 Quick Stress Relief Tips with Reflexology

 

 

  • Researchers believe the antidepressants affect brain chemicals that control the pain. They state that patients don’t need to have depression to see benefits because the drugs can help decrease pain signals.

 

This treatment helps people who suffer from chronic pain by teaching them to manage the pain.

 

6.  Hypnosis.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends hypnosis as an alternative treatment plan because it doesn’t have side effects. Hypnosis can help you relax and manage the pain. You want to work with a qualified hypnotherapist for the best results.

hypnosis watch and chair

 

♦ Also Read: 7 Practical Tips to Dealing with Chronic Pain

 

 

7. Tart cherry juice.

Drinking tart cherry juice may be one of the easiest alternative treatments for pain. Researchers found that it has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce oxidative stress.

woman holding a glass of cherry juice

You can fight chronic pain with several alternative and unusual treatments. If you suffer from chronic pain, ask your doctor about these treatments. One of them may give you some much-needed relief!

Just being able to share this information might make a difference by guiding someone into researching more about this indeed, unusual treatment alternatives. When conventional treatment doesn’t work, why not?

Thanks all again for reading!

 

 Also Read: Prevent Back Pain with Day & Night Lifestyle Changes 

Prevent Back Pain with Day & Night Lifestyle Changes

Prevent Back Pain with Day & Night Lifestyle Changes

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Prevent Back Pain

I’d say 20-30% of patients we see at the clinic are being referred for back pain. It can be different conditions including spinal stenosis, bulging discs, sciatica, and other back issues. It can be very unpleasant, where you can experience pain that radiates to the leg, at times burning, tingling, or at times would feel like pins and needles all the way down the leg.

👉👉👉Top Tips to ease Chronic Pain Naturally

About four out of five Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. It can take many forms, but lower back pain is the most common. Fortunately, there are many simple lifestyle changes you can make to avoid an aching back.

DAYTIME LIFESTYLE CHANGES

1.      Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight strains your back and disrupts your balance. Abdominal fat is especially problematic. Spot reducing is a myth but your midsection will usually slim down along with the rest of your body when you lose excess pounds.

2.      Exercise regularly. Yoga is a great way to improve your posture and flexibility and strengthen your muscles. Any physical activity can help fight inflammation by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to your back.

 

3.      Eat more calcium. Strong bones help protect you from osteoporosis, a leading cause of back pain, especially for women. Eat your yogurt and leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale.

4.      Follow safety guidelines at work. Ergonomics is now commonplace in workplaces due to the high cost of injuries. Back injuries are the most common type of workplace injuries. Talk with your employer about job design features that will keep you productive and safe. You can opt for an ergonomic chair or a high – low office desk that allows you to stand in between tasks.

5.      Practice good posture. Make it a habit to press your lower abdomen against your spine. Keep your shoulders held back and relaxed. Hold your head up.

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6.     Observe Good Sitting Posture. Try to use an adjustable chair that will give you all the support you need. Prop a pillow against your lower back if needed. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Change positions or take a brief walk frequently.

7.      Observe Proper and Safe Lifting. Most people have surely heard the statement, “Lift with your legs, not with your back”. This is to make sure you are using the most powerful muscle in the body to lift, and not the smaller and weaker back muscles. I have had many patients rupture a disc from lifting and twisting the trunk.

  Bend down at the knees and lift with your legs to avoid putting the whole load on your back. Carry heavy objects close to your body. Get help if an object is too heavy for you to lift alone.

8.      Dress comfortably. Stiletto heels and heavy handbags can cause knee and back pain. So can overstuffing your pockets or wearing anything two sizes too small. Enjoy dressing up for special occasions but ensure your everyday wardrobe allows a full range of movement and your tote bag stays under 10 percent of your body weight.

NIGHTIME LIFESTYLE CHANGES

1.      Select the right mattress for you. A moderately firm mattress usually works best because it adapts to the natural curves of your spine. If you have a firm mattress, an inch or two of padding on top may help.

2.      Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent helps protect your back. Even better, put a small pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.

3.      Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back is also good. Stick a small pillow under your knees to maintain the curve in your lower back. Use enough pillow to position neck comfortably, not flexed forward as it can make breathing uncomfortable and stretch the posterior structures of the neck.

4.      Stop sleeping on your stomach. Lying on your stomach puts extra stress on your back and neck. You can wake up with neck stiffness and this bad habit can cause a rotational pressure in the neck alignment compromising your discs. Break the habit, lie on your side, and use pillows supporting your neck and shoulder. For better comfort, also place pillows in between your knees to maintain good spine alignment in sidelying. that will make it harder to roll over.

5.      Avoid alcohol. You may fall asleep faster by drinking alcohol but it impairs the quality of your sleep and you’re more likely to wake up with aches and pains. Some prescription medications may also interfere with sleep.

6.      Apply heat. A heat pack is an easy and safe way to keep a little ache from growing into a big one. Get a hot water bottle or a pack that you can microwave and apply to any spot that needs a little extra care. I do want to note that microwaveable heat pads do not last as long and you may end up going back to heat it up over and over. A  commercial plug-in heat pad like this one is available on Amazon.

 I just happen to refer my patients to Amazon, Walgreens, Target, or Walmart to get one like this especially one with an automatic shut-off to ensure safety.

It is imperatively important to see a doctor if you feel any numbness or tingling, or if you experience severe or chronic pain. For most backaches, these self-help techniques will give you effective relief and keep the pain from coming back.

***************

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The Harsh Truth about Sitting and How to Reduce the Health Risks

The Harsh Truth about Sitting and How to Reduce the Health Risks

 How to Reduce the Health Risks from Long Hours of Sitting

A sedentary lifestyle increases one’s risk for health issues as commonly known. Weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis), poor circulation, weight gain, and poor cardiovascular endurance are just a few to mention. 

Why is it a piece of common advice to stretch every chance you get when on a long flight? It is to avoid getting blood clots and swelling of the legs or ankles from sitting for long periods.

👉👉👉Prevent Back Pain with These Simple Lifestyle Changes

By now you’ve probably heard that sitting can cause health complications and even shorten your lifespan. If your boss won’t spring for an office full of treadmill desks, you can still stay by finding other ways to spend more time on your feet.

 In fact, a recent study found that walking for just 2 minutes each hour can make a big difference. 

That’s good news for the 80% of Americans who find it difficult to keep up with the minimum amount of exercise experts recommend. For example, the American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.

There are many practical ways to overhaul a sedentary lifestyle. Try these suggestions for brief walks and other ideas to spend less time sitting.

Benefits of Sitting Less

1.      Strengthens your heart. Sitting down slows your circulation and speeds up muscle loss, both of which take a toll on your heart. 

On the other hand, physical activity helps to prevent heart disease and even reverses some risk factors.

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2.      Avoid illness. Prolonged sitting has also been associated with diabetes, cancer, and other conditions. A daily walk could mean fewer doctor visits and longer life. Stand, move around, stretch even in your chair.

3.      Lose weight. Naturally, you burn more calories jogging than lounging on the couch. Think about how much better you look and feel when you stay trim. Plus, exercise is safer than crash diets that may not provide essential nutrients.

4.      Enhance your mood. Sitting affects your mind as well as your body. Boost your spirits with a gentle workout. You’ll probably find yourself thinking more clearly too.

👉👉👉7 Practical Tips to dealing with Chronic Pain

Suggestions for Two-Minute Walking Breaks

1.      Break up tasks. Divide your assignments into 60-minute segments. That’s about as long as most adults can concentrate, so you may even increase the quality of your work.

2.      Create triggers. If you still tend to lose yourself in the flow, develop signals for when to stand up. Maybe you want to program an alarm on your computer, on a Fitbit or Apple watch, or time yourself according to your favorite radio news program. You can always use any strategy to make you remember!

3.      Engage in other light activities. Any gentle task can be substituted for walking. Tidy up the break room or do a few legs raises. If you’re at home, you could weed the garden or dance a few steps.

4.      Talk with your boss. It may help to let your boss or coworkers know in advance why you’re changing your routine. They may want to join you,

Other Ways to Reduce the Risks of Prolonged Sitting

1.      Exercise regularly. There is no need to expound on the benefits of exercise. While a two-minute walk is a good start, there are advantages to additional exercise. More intense workouts will condition your cardiovascular system, thicken your bones, and sharpen your mind.

👉👉👉8 Top Tips To Exercise Safely

2.      Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that adults who sit more, snack more. Try drinking a glass of water or tea to curb your appetite. 

Prepare healthy food you can nibble on anywhere, like yogurt or peanut butter on apple slices.

3.      Stretch your hips and back. Sitting puts a lot of pressure on your spine and hips. Stand up and stretch every hour. 

Just a few stretches you can do in your chair:

 Forward trunk stretch. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times or as able. Relieves a tight and tired back from prolonged sitting.
 
Upper spine stretch. Place both hands behind the neck, stretch backward against the back of a chair. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
Forward and side stretch on Table or desk. Place hands on the desk. Slide hands forward to stretch your back. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times or as needed.
 
SLide hands toward the left side, hold for 5 seconds. Then slide hands toward the right side for another 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times on each side or as desired until a good stretch for relief is achieved.

4.      Turn off the TV. At home, do you sit in front of the TV after sitting at your desk for eight hours? Visit the gym or go out with friends instead.

Hold onto your desk job while you take care of your body and mind. Strategic breaks and other healthy habits will help you live a longer and more active life.

👉👉👉4 Quick Fixes to Strengthen Your Back & Ease Pain

 

10 Top Tips: Ease Chronic Pain Without Medication

10 Top Tips: Ease Chronic Pain Without Medication

Chronic pain isn’t an easy condition to handle, but you can take control. 

Simple changes in your lifestyle, diet, and exercise routines can help ease your pain. After all, you can be your own best physical therapist! 

 Try these techniques to experience relief:

1.     Manage stress. Stress can increase chronic pain and make it more difficult to manage. Try a variety of strategies to relax and reduce stress to see which ones work the best for you.    

·         Yoga and meditation are two stress-reduction strategies that can help. 

2.      Try breathing exercises. 

By simply focusing on your breathing, you can relax your muscles and reduce pain. 

Deep breathing exercises can also reduce blood pressure, eliminate stress, and decrease heart rate. When you breathe in, breathe in through the nose and out through your mouth with a semi-pursed lip, slowly to allow better gas exchange in the lungs. 

3.      Find fun distractions. Instead of concentrating on the pain, try distractions that help you forget about it. 

·         Hobbies and activities such as watching your favorite movie or reading a new book can help. You may also want to try drawing or other ideas that help you fill your time and avoid thinking about the pain. 

4.      Increase your water intake. Dehydration can make chronic pain worse.  Have you tried coconut water? Choose the pure coconut water, not from concentrate, no sugar added kind. Many brands are available in the market. I know it’s an acquired taste but it is rich in natural electrolytes and potassium. Muscle cramps? Coconut water can help. You can find many different brands at your favorite grocery or health foods store.

5.      Avoid inflammatory food. Fast food and processed food can increase inflammation in your body, so your chronic pain also increases. Foods with a lot of sugar and salt also contribute to inflammation and increased pain. 

6.      Add more anti-inflammatory food. On the other hand, nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and other items can help you fight inflammation and reduce pain.They have antioxidants that fight damage on the cellular level.

7.      Focus on posture. Posture can help reduce the stress on your back and cut down on chronic pain.

·         Consider the way you sit and stand. Experts recommend that you avoid slumping your shoulders and lowering your head. The spine should be straight, so circulation is better. 

8.      Discuss your health. Researchers have found that talking about your health can reduce pain. The American Psychological Association points out that talking about your pain can help you discover management techniques. 

9.     Try massage. Massages can reduce chronic pain by improving circulation and blood flow.

·         Massages help reduce back, shoulder, and neck pain. They can also help your overall health. Improved circulation, looser muscles, helps uplift your mood from the endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, being stimulated.

Try using heat or cold packs over sore muscles and joints. See which one gets you the best relief. 

TIP: Heat expands: meaning, more blood flow into the area due to blood vessels and the lymphatic system more open. COLD constricts, used mostly with acute bruising or injury. Ask your physical therapist which one to use best for your condition. 

10.  Find support. Health experts recommend finding support groups that focus on chronic pain. These groups give you the chance to meet others who suffer from chronic pain.

·         They can offer advice and tips for managing pain. They can also provide doctor and clinic reviews or recommendations. By talking to others who have chronic pain, you can learn new techniques to deal with your pain.

·         Chronic pain is linked to anxiety and depression. The social aspect of support groups can also help in coping with these side effects.

·         Support groups are less formal settings, and online groups offer privacy and anonymity, so you can feel comfortable sharing your experience.

Even if you take medication for your pain, you can further, reduce it with these techniques.

Follow your doctor’s advice, reduce stress and inflammation, and find support.

 Life is worth living. And we do need to take charge if we want the pain relief we seek.

 

The Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue Connection: What you should Know

The Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue Connection: What you should Know

I came across a patient who we see for joint pains. This prompted this article to also hopefully reach those with the same condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis. 
 

Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA: When your immune system attacks your own joints. Individuals with RA know the impact of this affliction on daily living. Waking up with swollen, painful, and stiff joints making even the most menial task of dressing, getting out of bed, tedious. 

When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, sore fingers, hands, knees, and stiff hips and legs may be the first thing that comes to mind. There are invisible symptoms however that can be just as troubling. About 75% of patients say they experience fatigue, weakness, and insomnia. Restlessness and waking up at night from pain can lead to sleepless nights having one wake up already tired and dreading the day ahead.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that affects the whole body and not just the joints. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage such as crooked hands and fingers, nodules on the joints of the fingers and wrist making gripping, grasping, lifting painful and difficult. Patients also report this condition heightens stress levels which can even affect relationships due to limited ability to perform tasks of daily living.

👉👉👉Arthritis Pain: Exercise Tips

Patients report fatigue which experts believe is caused by antibodies that circulating through the blood and triggers inflammation.

A troubling cycle is triggered where physical discomfort interferes with sleep. Lack of sleep makes daily activities more difficult to bear. Patients report feeling “dense” in the head, sluggish, or drowsy during the day. This often results in fatigue where an individual is less likely to do daily chores and become sedentary. As we know, a sedentary life further causes weakness which ultimately results in poor balance and inability to walk better or far. In a worst-case scenario, this is another major cause of falling in older adults.

 Do not let Rheumatoid Arthritis hold you back, however. There are ways to take care of yourself despite this progressive condition. As I always tell my patients, it is your health. Take charge!

  Learn more about lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can boost your energy.

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Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can make rheumatoid arthritis easier to deal with.

Self-care can help you manage pain, fatigue, and other symptoms:

  1. Regular Exercise. Many dislike exercise. How can you motivate yourself to work out when it’s a struggle just to stand up? Remember that physical training provides long-term relief as you strengthen your muscles, extend your range of motion, and brighten your mood.
A simple walk daily around your neighborhood or simple stretches before getting out of bed can make a difference. Here are a few easy tips you can do easily:
 
 
A. Heel and Toe Raises – Hold on to your kitchen counter, dresser, back of the chair, or anywhere to steady yourself. Go up on your toes. Hold this for 5 seconds. Then go on your heels and raise your toes up and hold the same for another 5 seconds. Repeat this move 10 times, or more as you are able. You can do these exercises as many times as you can throughout the day.
B. Seated Marching –Sit towards the edge of a chair with good upright posture. Begin by raising up one arm and the opposite side leg as shown. Lower arm and leg back down and then raise the opposite sides as you alternate back and forth. 
 

C. Hand Exercises. Hand movements are very important for daily tasks. We use our hands so much in everything we do. With RA or rheumatoid arthritis, if left alone, finger and hand joints can become very stiff especially early morning upon waking up. These hand exercises can help move the fingers of the hands to alleviate stiffness.

Finger Walking (Hand OA/RA Exercise)
 
Place the hand flat with the fingers spread.  Start by moving the thumb outwards.  Then move each finger towards the thumb, joining the fingers together one at a time.  The palm can come off the table.
There are many more exercises that a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist can help you with exercises. Ask your primary physician for a referral to any of these professionals.
 
(If you want me to send you more of the Rheumatoid exercises by email, message me at:
primemotionz@gmail.com)
 
  1. Healthy eating. Choose foods that have anti-inflammatory effects. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards, kale, etc. Tomatoes, olive oil are also good to have in your diet. Almonds and walnuts are also known to fight joint pain and inflammation. Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel). That also includes most fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, cherries, and others. WHAT TO AVOID: Processed meats, sodas, fried foods, refined carbs, and lard.

  2. Stay hydrated. Fatigue is a common sign of dehydration. It’s especially important to drink enough water. (Rule of thumb is 8 x 8 rule,  eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon a day. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember. when you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis that can worsen such symptoms.                                                                 
  3.   👉👉👉Healthy Eating on A Diabetic Diet
  4. Reorganize your home. Energy can be conserved by making your living space more efficient where you can easily access things when you need them.  These are called energy conservation strategies. By making your home and office more user-friendly and accessible, you are able to do your daily tasks with less exertion. Place items that you use frequently within reach. Get a small cart with wheels for moving supplies from one room to another. You can also use your walker with a seat, or a rolling office chair where items can be placed instead of carried. Be creative and innovative within your home environment.                                                                                👉👉👉  6 Quick Stress Relief Tips With Reflexology

  5. Make time for your ZZZ’s.  Sleeping more may not eliminate fatigue, but it can help. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet. If you are a music lover, lull yourself to sleep listening to peaceful, meditative type music or instrumentals. Youtube has many collections which can play for hours. If you are the techie type, have Alexa do your music selection. 

Psychological Changes

“Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life. – Joel Osteen

 ***Your attitude also plays a major role in how rheumatoid arthritis affects your life.***

See how transforming your outlook can boost your energy levels:

  1. Lighten up. Treat yourself with compassion. You may need to cut back on your responsibilities so you can protect your health. Focus on your own abilities instead of trying to keep up with others.

  2. Prepare for setbacks. The road of a person with rheumatoid arthritis is a rollercoaster ride. It is ups and downs. No day is the same as the previous day. Make the most of it. Take it easy on days that you have more pain or fatigue. On good days, make the most of it. Be flexible and accepting of your limitations. Frequent and dramatic fluctuations are typical with rheumatoid arthritis. You’ll probably have easy days and times that are much more challenging. Give yourself permission to rest when you’re feeling under the weather.                                                          👉👉👉4 Easy Tips for Stress Relief   

  3. Avail of support. Even your closest family and friends may find it difficult to understand your fatigue. Look for support groups or online forums where you can meet others who share similar experiences. 

Medical Treatment

 There are new and more effective options for treating rheumatoid arthritis that has been introduced during the past two decades. Consult with and follow your doctor’s recommendations to help you to reduce the inflammation that causes fatigue.

Strategies to Consider

  1. Review and Change your prescription. Definitely have your physician or rheumatologist review your medications. There are now several categories of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Discuss the side effects with your doctor and ask about trying a different medication if you experience excessive fatigue.
  2. Increase mobility. Physical therapy can increase your strength and overall fitness. Your doctor may be able to provide a referral, or you can find someone who specializes in rheumatoid arthritis through the American Physical Therapy Association. 
  3. Manage depression. Rheumatoid arthritis doubles your risk for depression. This is a fact. Let your doctor and loved ones know if you need help. Medication and counseling have a high success rate.

 While there is no current cure for rheumatoid arthritis, appropriate self-care and medical treatment can increase the quality of your life. Reduce fatigue so you can feel happier and return to doing the activities you love. Hope this helps! I would love to hear from you!

Write any questions at the comments section below or reach me at primemotionz@gmail.com.

Until the next issue!

 

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PREVENT Back Pain with these Simple Lifestyle Changes

PREVENT Back Pain with these Simple Lifestyle Changes

About four out of five Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. It can take many forms. Lower back pain, however, is the most common. Fortunately, there are many simple lifestyle changes you can make to avoid an aching back.

Daytime Lifestyle Changes

1. Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight strains your back and disrupts your balance. Abdominal fat is especially problematic. Your midsection will usually slim down along with the rest of your body when you lose excess pounds.

smilesmilecoolTurn On Your Natural Fat-burning Machine!

2. Exercise regularly. Yoga is a great way to improve your posture and flexibility. It can also strengthen your muscles. Physical activity can help fight inflammation by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to your spine.

3. Eat more calcium. Strong bones help protect you from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of back pain, especially for women. Eat your yogurt and leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale.

4. Follow safety guidelines at work. Back injuries are the most common type of workplace injuries. Talk with your employer about job design features that will keep you productive and safe.

5. Practice good posture. Make it a habit to press your lower abdomen against your spine. Keep your shoulders held back and relaxed. Hold your head up.

coolBack Pain Exercises Video

6. Sit correctly. Try to use an adjustable chair that will give you all the support you need. Prop a pillow against your lower back if needed. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Change positions or take a brief walk frequently.

7. Lift safely. Bend down at the knees and lift with your legs to avoid putting the whole load on your back. Carry heavy objects close to your body. Get help if an object is too heavy for you to lift alone.

8. Dress comfortably. Stiletto heels and heavy handbags can cause knee and back pain. So can overstuffing your pockets or wearing anything two sizes too small. Enjoy dressing up for special occasions but ensure your everyday wardrobe allows a full range of movement and your tote bag stays under 10 percent of your body weight.

Nighttime Lifestyle Changes

1. Select the right mattress for you. A moderately firm mattress usually works best. It adapts to the natural curves of your spine. If you have a firm mattress, an inch or two of padding on top may help.

2. Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent helps protect your back. Even better, put a small pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.

3. Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back is also good. Place a small pillow under your knees to maintain the curve in your lower back.

4. Stop sleeping on your stomach. Lying on your stomach puts extra stress on your back. To break the habit, lie on your side and use pillows between your knees. This aligns your spine better. It relieves loading on your spine and supports your spine.

5. Avoid alcohol. You may fall asleep faster by drinking alcohol.  However, it impairs the quality of your sleep. You are likely to wake up with aches and pains. Some prescription medications may also interfere with sleep.

6. Apply heat. A heat pack is an easy and safe way to keep a little ache from growing into a big one. Get a hot water bottle or a heat pack that you can microwave. This can be applied to any sore spot . I do want to note that microwaveable heat pads do not retain heat long enough. You may end up going back to heat it up over and over. A commercial plug-in heat pad like this one is available on Amazon.

I refer my patients to Amazon, Walgreens, Target, or Walmart to get one. It is preferable to have one an automatic shut-off to ensure safety.

(I am not an affiliate of Amazon or the seller and do not receive compensation for this feature in my article.)

It is imperative to see a doctor if you feel any numbness or tingling. This is more so, if you experience severe or chronic pain.  These self-help techniques will give you effective relief and keep the pain from recurring.

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