There’s a lot of information available on how to cope with back pain. Some of it, however, is out of date or just not sound. Here are three pieces of advice to AVOID:
- Get some bed rest: This used to be the hallmark of self treatment. By the early 2000’s doctors realized that this was bad advice. Lying in bed and staying in one position for too long will keep you stiff and make it hard for you to move. The best tip is to stay mobile and even add some light stretches.
- Use an ice pack: Ice may be good for swelling and is commonly prescribe after surgery. However, heat works better to relieve spasm. Spasm is what most back pain sufferers are feeling. Take a hot shower in the morning before you get up and about. You’ll get a better stretch after a warm shower. Heating pads may also help.
- Sleep on a firm mattress: Like many things in life there is a middle ground. Too soft a mattress will not support your body and you’ll slump in bed. Too firm and there will be no support for the natural curves of your body. To achieve a comfortable sleep you need to maintain a normal body curvature. Intermediate firmness mattresses like Posturepedic™ or Temper-Pedic™ do a good job at this.
