While we are open for the majority of the holiday season (in fact we’re only closed Christmas and New Years day with early closing the days before each), there is nothing more frustrating than a bout of back pain when we are not open to help you. So this post is about how to get through the holiday season with managing your own pain at home. Now if you are in acute pain and you really need help, then skip this post and go straight to ER or urgent care to be taken care of.
For those with moderate to uncomfortable pain or discomfort, some of these things may help.
Pain Medication
If you are able to, some ibruprofen may help your pain and reduce inflammation and provide you with some temporary relief.
Stretches
Some simple stretches can help you decompress your spine and relieve tension on your back. Do this gently. Check out these links for some simple exercises to try. If the pain gets worse, stop immediately and seek help.
Ice It
Ice helps with inflammation and by applying an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time can help keep pain at bay.
Heat is Neat
If the problem is muscular, then heat may be the better option. This will help with any spasms as well.
Don’t Rest too Long
Resting for long periods can make matters worse. It always used to be rest until the pain goes away, but evidence now shows that this can cause muscles to weaken and contribute to the problem in the long run. So gentle movement and walking can help to manage the pain.
Back Braces
These can give support to tired muscles and provide some temporary relief. They can be acquired from most pharmaceuticals and even Amazon.
Inversion Tables
If you have continual problems, then an investment in an inversion table can help. These can be bought for around $100 from Amazon and by suspending upside down, your spine is able to decompress and give relief to herniations or trapped nerves.
All of the above collectively and individually may help you to manage your pain until we are open again and we can then examine and help you. If at any time the pain worsens, go to ER or urgent care to be evaluated and treated for your immediate pain. Once you are out, schedule an appointment online with us and we can investigate your problem further.
We hope this information will provide you with some temporary relief if you are in pain right now. Back pain can be caused by many different things and it is always best for a professional to help you with the long term effects of pain. These ideas should at least provide you with temporary relief so that you can get by until you come in.
If you’re in pain right now, if you don’t have to be. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We also accept insurance. You can Schedule an appointment here.
