How many times have you moved the wrong way and felt a twinge in your back? Is it just a muscle strain that will go away in a couple of days, or is it something more serious? This can be a common feeling when you take on a chore or exercise that you don’t do on a regular basis.
There are a few things we do every day that can put us at risk for back problems, including:
There are a few things we do every day that can put us at risk for back problems, including:
- Playing weekend sports
- Lifting incorrectly
- Sitting in the same position for longer than 30 minutes
- Stay active. Even though you hurt, continue to exercise and move. Resting in bed for a long period of time can actually make your back pain worse by making your back feel more stiff
- Apply ice. Ice can help manage new back pain by keeping swelling to a minimum. Applying ice to your back for the first 72 hours after injury increases your chances of being able to control pain and swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Try Tylenol or Advil to help with your back discomfort. Read the label to learn about the medication’s side effects and how to properly take it