Back Pain Relief: How to Get Better Rest

 Back pain plagues millions of Americans; from injuries to chronic pain issues, the back takes a lot of hits over the course of a lifetime, and when pain flares up, it can affect everything from the way you sleep to your ability to perform at work or school. The problem is that as we age, it becomes easier to sustain a back injury due to excess weight, bone loss, and repeated actions such as bending and lifting. If your work involves a lot of physicality, you may be more at risk for back injuries, especially as you get older.

If you suffer from back pain and it’s inhibiting your ability to get quality sleep, there are many things you can do to find relief. There are supplements on the market that act as anti-inflammatories and can help you relax come bedtime, and you can also fit in daily exercise, eat right, and learn stretches to keep your spine and joints in good shape.

Read on for some wonderful tips on how to get relief from your back pain for better sleep.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

 Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a supplement derived from the marijuana plant, and research has shown this substance acts as an anti-inflammatory. CBD has helped many people find relief from pain as well as a host of other issues like anxiety, depression, and loss of appetite, just to name a few. Because it has none of the psychoactive effects of THC, the ingredient in marijuana that makes a user feel “high,” it doesn't cause intoxication. If you think CBD might be worth trying, do your research to find out more about whether CBD is right for you, and be sure to speak with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your daily diet.

RECOGNIZE YOUR LIMITS

 When you suffer from severe back pain, you need to realize a hard truth: You simply cannot do everything. While you’d love to get outside and mow the lawn, doing so would only make matters worse. Sometimes, even attempting simpler things around the house can cause your pain to increase, which won’t help you get the sleep you desperately need. So, when you’ve hit your limit, it’s time to call in some help. While some chores can be delegated to family members, even they can’t do everything. Before the household chores get too out of control, call in the pros to tidy things up. Just remember to set aside money in your household budget for these services. A maid service in Largo costs between $93 and $189 on average.

EXERCISE DAILY

 It’s not always easy to find time to work out, but daily exercise can significantly improve your back pain when done right. Activities like swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates are great options to consider that pose minimal to no impact. There are also a variety of stretches you can do to help keep things loose and allow you to manage the pain, and the beauty of stretching is that it can be done just about anywhere. Plus, stretching before bedtime enables you to relax your muscles so that rest comes more easily. The key with any exercise, however, is to make sure you take it slowly and talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your routine.

EAT WELL

 Your diet is a key component to the way you feel, not only because certain foods can have anti-inflammatory properties but because managing your weight is important for your back health. Eating well has many other benefits, including boosting your mood and elevating your self-esteem, and the right foods can even help you get better sleep. Nuts, cottage cheese, turkey, and certain kinds of tea can help you rest easier, while berries, lean meats, and dark, leafy greens are great for reducing swelling to help relieve back pain. Keep in mind that it’s best to avoid refined sugars and processed foods, which can lead to inflammation

RECONSIDER YOUR BEDDING

 The right bedding can make your sleep routine much easier; from your mattress to the blankets you use, the items you use in the bedroom can make a huge difference in the amount and quality of rest you’re getting. If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s time to consider buying a new one, particularly one that is made for people with back pain. Pillows should be semi-firm to keep your spine supported all night, as well.

Getting good rest when you’re having back pain can be a challenge, but with the right combination of activity and diet, there are many things you can do to sleep better. Talk to your doctor before starting any new regimen to ensure it’s right for your needs. With a few tweaks, you’ll be sleeping soundly and finding relief.

Click Here for more wellness tips

To connect with a local (Clearwater FL) Chiropractor we recommend and support our local Functional Medicine Clinic, Root Cause Medical Clinic