Back pain can be a major disruption in our lives. For some, it may define one’s day-to-day life. Worst of all, it doesn’t go away when it’s time to sleep at the end of the day. Thankfully, there are things we can do to get the slumber we all deserve. Here are some ideas that can help you get some much-needed sleep.
Call the Chiropractor
If you’ve never tried it, you don’t know what you’re missing. Chiropractic care can help with so much more than just back pain: arthritis, headaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel. The chiropractor is the first place to start, because it’s non-invasive, and results can be achieved without surgery or medication. For a consultation, reach out to Jones Family Chiropractic. With a few treatments, you’ll enjoy reduced stress, increased energy, and improved sleep.
Diet Matters
As with any aspect of our physical health, what we eat can be influential. Best of all, you don’t need to radically overhaul your diet to reduce pain. For example, eat fruits rich in vitamin C, such as mangoes, oranges, and pineapples. Be generous with the cruciferous vegetables, and consider ginger and bone broth when building your meal plan, as all of these can help you improve joint health. Whatever your preferences, focus on a diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and look for food that is anti-inflammatory. By making simple adjustments to your diet, you can reduce pain and contribute to a restful night.
Check the Mattress
Your mattress can lay the foundation for a restful night. Having the right support is a boon for our backs. Conversely, the wrong mattress can trigger aches that leave us unable to sleep. If your mattress is lumpy or old, you should consider a replacement. However, choosing what is best for you can be a complicated process. Memory foam or a Tempur-Pedic mattress might be the best solution. These adapt to your body shape, giving your spine essential support and keeping it well-postured. Of course, you want to be certain of your purchase, so do your research by comparing reviews and checking warranties. You should also always think about how you buy. While ordering online is convenient, you can’t experience the product as you could in a brick-and-mortar store. Remember, how something feels can itself be a deciding factor.
Consider a Different Position
Many of us have a preferred sleep position. Yet, certain angles can compound back pain. Finding the right position can help you manage the aches and be better rested. Back sleeping, for instance, can mitigate pain by balancing out overall body weight, and this can be further aided by placing a pillow under the knees. With an equally supportive mattress, back sleeping offers respite from chronic back pain. You could even try reclined back sleeping to reduce strain on the spine. Side sleeping, meanwhile, can stretch muscles and correct posture. Again, its effectiveness can be enhanced with a pillow, this time between the knees. Discovering what works best for you may take time, but it can be worth the effort.
Use Heat
Tension is a frequent cause of back pain. It affects the musculature around our spine, which can, in turn, lead to circulation issues. Unfortunately, that rigidity can manifest as spasms, which generate severe pain. However, there are ways to treat this. Heat relaxes problem areas and can alleviate the symptoms. Warmth can facilitate blood flow by opening capillaries, heal damage, and ease pain. Luckily, using heat to manage back pain is an affordable option, as you could use heating pads or take regular hot baths. In fact, a hot water bottle is an excellent, portable tool that you can use even while you are moving about.
Talk to a Doctor
If you’ve tried a variety of ways to address your pain and still can’t find relief, it may be something serious that requires you to speak with your doctor. In the event that you can’t get an appointment right away, you don’t have to wait. Consider a virtual visit instead with an online physician through a reputable telehealth site that has online doctors available 24/7. The ideal platform will allow you to book a same-day appointment with a board-certified physician who takes your insurance, putting you on the path to healing sooner.
In the meantime, stay away from any kind of exercise that can hinder the healing process. For example, instead of taking on big household chores yourself, hire a service to do the cleaning, landscaping, repairs, or anything else that needs to be taken care of at home.
Sleep is essential to our physical and emotional well-being. Invest in a good mattress, find a diet right for you, and explore the benefits of physical activity. Restful nights don’t have to be elusive.
Struggling with pain? Jones Family Chiropractic helps with several symptoms. If you’re in Elizabeth City, NC, schedule an appointment!
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