5 Things You Should Do Following a Back Injury
What happens when you suffer a back injury?
An unexpected injury to the back is an unwelcome surprise, to say the least. The good news is that you can take some proactive steps to reduce the impact of your injury and get back to your regular life as soon as possible. Staying positive and taking a few practical steps are all it takes.
Read on to learn more about what you can do following a back injury.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Rest Should Be Your First Priority
Rest should be your priority following a back injury. Your body needs time to heal, and the best way to do that is to give it a break.
This may mean limiting or avoiding physical activity or any other activities that may aggravate your injury. Try to avoid all activities that cause discomfort, such as lifting, sitting, and standing for long periods.
Sleep can help your body heal, and strong levels of sleep quality can be improved. Do relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing.
2. Ice the Area
It’s important to ice the area and reduces swelling. Doing this several times a day—for 20 minutes at a time—will help to reduce pain and speed recovery.
Ice helps provide temporary relief for injuries such as strains, sprains, nerve pain, muscle aches, and other injuries. When you apply an ice pack, it decreases inflammation and provides an analgesic effect that stops the pain. It is important to keep the ice on no longer than 20 minutes at a time, as prolonged use can instead cause tissue damage.
3. Do Exercises and Stretches
Stretching can help keep the muscles and joints flexible, increasing the range of motion and helping reduce stiffness and tension. Gentle stretching can aid in relaxation and increase blood flow to the injured area, allowing nutrients to bring healing.
Exercise can help improve flexibility and coordination, as well as provide strength and endurance training. Activities such as walking, light jogging, and swimming can all be beneficial to those with back issues.
4. Take Anti-inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain. They can also prevent further damage or re-injury. It is important to take them as directed by your physician to ensure that you are taking the proper dosage and not overdosing.
A proper diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can also help. Eating vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation. It also improves cardiovascular health, and avoids complications that may arise from a lower back injury.
5. Consult a Physical Therapist
It is important to consult with a physical therapist as soon as possible. By doing so, you can start the healing process and reduce long-term pain or disability. A physical therapist can provide specific advice and help you develop a plan to improve strength and flexibility.
They can also recommend exercise modifications to help manage your symptoms. Taking the time to talk with a physical therapist can help you identify any potential problems and develop a plan to improve your functioning and pain management.
If you have chronic pain, consulting a doctor is a must. They can help you with your nerve pain symptoms and treatments.
Manage Your Back Injury by Following These Tips
The best thing to do following a back injury is to seek medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to talk to a doctor and ensure that the injury isn’t worse than it seems. Contact a doctor today to ensure that your back injury is taken care of.
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Pankaj Majumder, a seasoned Civil Engineer, combines technical expertise with a passion for innovative infrastructure solutions. With a strong academic background and diverse project experience, he excels in creating sustainable and resilient structures that shape the future of urban development.
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