If you suffer from sciatica or back pain, you are definitely not alone. Globally speaking, 1 in 10 people experiences ache in the lower part of the back and statistics suggests that back pain is the leading cause of job disability.
Back pain and sciatica are common health issues in the U.S. and estimates point out that 8 in 10 American citizens struggle with back ache and this has become the major contributing factor to painkiller addiction. Unfortunately, painkillers are the first conventional approach in treating back ache but a lot of patients end up being addicted to the meds while their health problem worsens. Therefore, a far better approach would be exercise and prevention.
Major Triggers of Back Ache
If you have been dealing with sciatica or back pain, it is pivotal to determine the underlying cause. This will help you avert another pain episode. For a lot of back pain sufferers, the trigger is lifting heavy load. Some other triggers include strenuous sexual activity, alcohol intake, distraction while doing physical tasks, and tiredness. Sports and accidents are two other main reasons behind chronic back ache, as well as obesity, poor physical activity, and bad posture.
How to Address Pain
To speed up your recovery, what you need to do when pain strikes you is to relax the back and the mind. Apply some ice onto the painful area or opt for a chiropractic treatment or acupuncture. And, instead of relying on painkillers, go with natural and powerful anti-inflammatory herbs like curcumin, ginger, and boswellia.
Also, remember that your emotions and thoughts play a major role in the level of pain and they may even contribute to pain even after the injury has healed. This is where techniques like the EFT can be of great aid.
How to Treat Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition characterized by a pinched sciatic nerve and the pain is felt in the buttocks and through the thighs and usually through one leg. Stretching can be very useful if you happen to suffer from it. Check out the video below to learn how to alleviate pain with the help of a tennis ball:
Useful Tips to Avert Back Ache
- Regular physical activity
Exercising will help you strengthen the spine muscles. Opt for high-intensity workouts once or twice per week as well as exercises for balance, flexibility, and strength. Yoga is another great physical activity for strengthening the core muscles and increasing your flexibility
- Pay attention to your posture
Even if you spend a lot of hours throughout the day sitting, make sure you sit properly and upright so that you posture is straight. When you are standing, stand with both feet on the ground and do not slouch or put on weight on one foot only. When lifting, protect your back and learn how to properly lift things.
- Increase your vitamin D and K2 levels
These vitamins are pivotal for the prevention of bone softening which may often cause back pain in the lower area.
- Earthing
Walking barefoot and connecting with the Earth is an excellent way to lower inflammation and thus, minimize pain. The immune system strengthens when it gets the needed amount of electrons which you will acquire from walking on the soil without shoes. The electrons from Earth are potent antioxidants so whenever possible, walk on wet grass or sand.
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