5 Simple Practices to Relieve Back Pain

Do you suffer from chronic back pain? According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), roughly 80% of the general population will experience back pain at some point during their lives. It's frustrating when you wake up in the morning with a sore and achy back. Depending on the severity, though, it can make otherwise simple tasks like driving, going to work, and mowing the lawn painfully difficult. The good news is that you often reduce back pain by following some simple steps.

Sleep Right

It's a little known fact that the position in which a person sleeps will directly affect his or her back. Sleeping on your stomach, for instance, stresses the vertebrae and its supporting structures, increasing the risk of back pain. Ideally, you should sleep on either your back or side, as this minimizes stress on the vertebrae.

Exercise

I know this is easier said than done when you suffer from back pain, but staying active can actually help to relieve pain and discomfort. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to perform a full strength training regimen consisting of heavy weights and machines. Rather, try performing light cardio, such as jogging or using a stationary bike, for at least half an hour each day. Assuming you follow through with this regimen, you should notice a positive improvement in your pain levels.

Drink Water

No, that's not a typo. Drinking more water can actually relieve back pain. This is because a large portion of the population goes throughout their daily life in a state of dehydration. In fact, studies suggest that as many as two-thirds of the population are chronically dehydrated. And when you are dehydrated, tissue is restricted of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to sustain proper health, which in turn can lead to muscle pain. To prevent this from happening, try to get into the habit of drinking a minimum of eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

See a Chiropractor

Another helpful tip to relieve back pain involves seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained and versed in the nuances of the body's musculoskeletal system. They can relieve subluxations of the spine, easing its associated pain and discomfort.

Stand Up

The average person spends nearly nine hours each day sitting. But humans aren't designed for prolonged sitting, and doing so can lead to unnatural curvature of the spine. If you work in a job that involves a computer, consider replacing your traditional "sitting" desk with a "standing" model. Studies have shown that office workers who use standing desks have fewer health problems than their counterparts.

Of course, these are just a few quick and easy ways to relieve back pain.