Sometimes topics for blog posts come from current life situations…like this one.

Two nights ago, I threw my back out. Yup…I’m only 23, and I’ve always had a bad back. I can exercise my back like crazy, but I always seem to have problems with it. Must be just one of my “lots in life”.

But I’m taking the opportunity to share some ways that I’ve found can really help me with my back problems, when they happen. Of course, the best way to heal a bad back is to keep it healthy in the first place. But that’s another day, another topic. For now, here’s how to reduce the pain of an aching back:

  • ROTATE ice and heat applications. Both have beneficial effects on a bad back (which is usually just a straining of the muscles in the back, as opposed to the injuring of the spine itself.) Use the ice for 20-30 minutes in order to reduce swelling to the injured muscles, followed by heat for 20-30 minutes, which will encourage bloodflow to the injured area, speeding up the healing process.
  • Use acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen, as per directions on the package. Try to use the maximum allowed dosage, as this will maximize the results. Of course, take the advice of your doctor over your blogger. :-)
  • Utilize relaxation techniques. This will help to distract your brain and help to make the pain less noticeable.
  • Get a nice, long massage…this is my favorite tip on the list! Of course, this can be a bit on the expensive side, but the massage techniques not only FEEL great, but they also help encourage bloodflow to the affected area.
  • Give your hamstrings a good stretch. Tight hamstrings will put unnecessary pressure on your lower back. While it’s best to do this as a preventative measure, it can also help during back spasms and/or injuries. Of course, do this with caution, and under advice of a doctor as well.

And of course, if none of these techniques help to improve your back pain, it’s time to get to the doctor, ASAP.