Back pain is one of the common reasons why people seek medical attention. It may result from an injury or a symptom of underlying conditions such as arthritis and disc degenerative disease. Most people find relief with home remedies such as hot and cold compressions, but other times, you may need to see your anesthesiologist in Houston for advanced treatment. While back pain is common, you don’t have to suffer a sore back. Simple lifestyle changes can help you prevent back pain, and the same measures are effective at treating back pain at home.

Lose extra weight

The more you weigh, the greater the stress or impact on your spine and joints. As a result, your joints wear out quickly, and as a response, your body may form bone spurs which can compress nerves and limit your range of motion. Excess belly fat also shifts your center of gravity which strains your lower back. Shedding a few extra pounds goes a long way into reducing and preventing back pain. Specialists recommend staying within 10 pounds of your ideal weight to prevent back problems.

You can lose extra weight by increasing your activity level and watching what you eat. People who can’t adopt a healthy lifestyle independently may need professional help.

Quit smoking

The nicotine in cigarettes alters the size of blood vessels, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that get to your muscles and ligaments. Other spinal structures, including the discs, can break down because of nutrient exchange. The presence of nicotine in your bloodstream also affects the regeneration of cells within the disc, putting you at risk of problems such as bulged or ruptured discs. Besides putting you at risk of back pain, smoking makes you more susceptible to other health problems such as lung cancer.

Quitting smoking can help improve your overall health and response to a back pain treatment plan.

Exercise regularly

Exercise strengthens your muscles and ligaments and keeps them flexible, reducing their risk of tearing under stress. Physical activity is also essential for strengthening the muscles that support your back. Weak abdominal muscles cannot support your back correctly, and for that reason, you can develop pain. Whenever your back is sore, your first resort may be to rest. While rest is essential, total bed rest does more harm than good. Always consult your doctor before taking on any exercise regime as some back pain may worsen with activity.

Maintain good posture

Poor posture is one of the common causes of mild back pain. When standing and sitting, always check your posture to avoid straining your back muscles and ligaments. If your work involves extended hours of sitting, invest in an ergonomic chair that supports your back. You can also prop one of your feet on a stool whenever you need to stand for a long time. Experts also advise taking breaks to stand and stretch to promote blood flow and take pressure off the vertebrae in your back.

Do not let back pain interfere with your productivity. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at Yancey at Pain and Spine for treatment to improve your quality of life.