Sleeping position when you have back pain

Sleeping position when you have back pain

What is the best sleeping position when you have back pain? If you suffer from certain diseases, irritations or have an ongoing pregnancy, certain sleeping positions, it may help you to rest better. Sleeping in the wrong positions can cause or worsen neck or back pain. The way you choose to sleep can reveal aspects of your personality.

When we are lying in bed, it is advisable to maintain the natural curvature of the spine. This can be done by adopting a posture that involves aligning the head, shoulders and hips, as well as providing the necessary support to the head. In general, the ideal posture is the one in which we sleep on our backs, with our heads on a firm pillow.

Since sleeping on your back is not a variant to consider for some of us, it is good to know that there are other positions that allow maintaining the curvature of the spine during sleep, but it takes a few fireworks.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Sleeping on one side
  2. Sleeping in the fetal position (fetus)
  3. Sleeping on your stomach
  4. Other recommendations to reduce back pain during sleep

 

 

Sleeping on one side

The sleeping position on one side is extremely comfortable, but it is contraindicated for people who have problems with low back pain. This is because this position changes the curvature of the spine, putting pressure exactly on the lumbar area.

You can still sleep in this position, but with one small change: inserting a pillow between your knees. By using this artifice, the leg is raised, thus aligning the hips with the pelvic area and the spine. Therefore, the curvature of the spine will be maintained.

 

Sleeping in the fetal position (fetus)

Sleeping in this position can relieve back pain, especially in people with a herniated disc. This is because, by raising the knees to the chest, the pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, making room between the vertebrae by bending the spine.

Its disadvantage is that it can cause neck or shoulder and hip pain. For those who want to sleep in this position, it is recommended to use a stronger pillow to lower the pressure on the shoulders, and a pillow held between the knees will help reduce pain in the lower back.

 

Sleeping on your stomach

Sleeping on your stomach can help stop snoring, but it can aggravate other medical conditions. The neck and spine are not in neutral positions when you take this shape, so you may wake up with pain in these areas. Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your nerves and cause numbness, tingling and pain in your extremities.

If you are among those who sleep like this, it would be good to try to adopt another sleeping position. But if you can’t get rid of this habit, you can use a pillow under your abdomen, a pillow that will lift the pelvic area, ensuring the natural curvature of the spine and taking the pressure on the lumbar side.

 

Other recommendations to reduce back pain during sleep

The pillow should help support your upper spine. If you sleep on your back, the pillow should completely fill the space between the neck and the mattress.

If you sleep on one side, try to use a thicker pillow to keep your head in line with the rest of your body. No matter how you sleep, do not hold the pillow under your shoulders. The memory foam pillow is a very good choice, given that it is shaped according to the position of your neck.

 

The mattress also plays an important role. It must be neither too hard nor too soft, it must provide adequate support. You will need to choose a mattress with the right firmness. It is important not to sleep on an old mattress. A memory foam, latex or orthopedic mattress may be the right choice, as long as the spine rests in a natural position.

You will also have to take into account your favorite sleeping position, if you like to sleep more on your back, then the mattress will have to be firmer to be able to support your back, and if you are used to sleeping on one side, the mattress will have to be a little softer, so as not to wake up with shoulder and hip pain.

If you have severe or worsening back pain, especially after sleep, you should talk to a doctor, so it is advisable not to delay the time.

Does your back hurt if you stand for several hours

Does your back hurt if you stand for several hours?

When you stand for many hours, the pressure on the lumbar area is increased and the back muscles are tense, so your back hurt.

Low back pain is extremely common, especially among adults. This can have a number of causes, be they mechanical or inflammatory.

Some patients experience back pain after a long time standing. The pressure put on the back muscles, but also on the structures of the spine, is the one that most frequently causes middle pain.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Why does your back hurt?
  2. Treatment of low back pain caused by standing
  3. Exercise that can prevent low back pain that occurs due to standing for longer periods

 

 

Why does your back hurt?

  • Muscle tension
  • Ligament stretching
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated disc
  • Other degenerative diseases of the spine

 

Treatment of low back pain caused by standing

In general, the pain goes away on its own after the person rests sitting on a chair or lying in bed for several tens of minutes. If back pain does not go away after rest, a number of remedies can be used, as well as drug treatment.

If you are also dealing with low back pain caused by standing for long periods of time, here is what you can do to relieve it:

  • Do some stretching exercises – stretch your muscles in the lumbar area to relax the area. Sit in a chair, then stand up slightly and stretch your arms as high as possible so that you lengthen your spine. If you repeat this exercise a few times, you will notice that the pain will improve.
  • Cold / warm compresses – immediately after the pain starts, apply a cold compress on the lumbar area and leave it to act for about 20 minutes. Repeat the operation whenever you feel the need. Ice will stop the inflammatory process and also relieve pain. After 2 days, if the pain has not disappeared, apply warm compresses to stimulate circulation in that area.
  • Massage – whether we are talking about professional massage or we are talking about an amateur massage, the effects of massage in relieving low back pain cannot be disputed. By massaging the back, the blood circulation is stimulated and at the same time the muscles are relaxed, so that the pain is relieved. An anti-inflammatory ointment can also be used to increase the effects of the massage.
  • Drug treatment – muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory ointments and oral anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve pain.

 

Exercise that can prevent low back pain that occurs due to standing for longer periods

If the back muscles are strengthened through exercise, the risk of low back pain that occurs due to increased pressure due to standing. Here are some exercises that strengthen the lumbar area:

  • Knee flexion – this strengthens the ankles, knees and hips, but also reduces the pressure on the lumbar area by changing the position of the spine in the lumbar area. When you stand for many hours, the pelvic area is often pushed too far back, accentuating the curvature of the spine in the lumbar area, which increases the pressure on the tissues in that area. In this way, discomfort and pain appear.
  • Lifting on the toes – stand on the toes, then leave your body weight on your heels and lift the toes up. Repeat this exercise several times. In this way, all the weight is transferred from the toes to the heels and vice versa, and the lumbar area is relaxed.
  • Pushing your abdomen forward – put your hands on your hips, then push your abdomen as far forward as possible. Immediately after that, do the movement in the opposite direction, that is, pull your abdomen inwards. This exercise strengthens the muscles in the lumbar area, but also the abdominal ones.

 

Make it a habit to practice these exercises daily, either in the morning or in the evening. In this way, you will strengthen your back muscles and reduce low back pain.

If you have occasional back pain, after many hours spent standing, there is no need to worry. But if your back hurt and the pains do not improve in a few days or if they appear very often, it is necessary to go to the doctor because it is possible that it is a more serious condition.

Your back hurts What can you do

Your back hurts? What can you do

The modern lifestyle with a lot of sedentary lifestyle, sitting on a chair, sitting on heels or driving contributes to the increase in the frequency causes when your back hurts.

To these is added the fact that we do not stand up straight and correctly even when we walk on the street, that we often carry our backpack or bag only on one side or we make a great effort lifting weights without protecting our spine.

Back pain affects more than half of adults over the age of 60 and a large proportion of adults up to the age of 60. Symptoms consist of frequent or transient pain, sharp or dull, continuous or intermittent back pain. If there is a damage to the nerves or the spinal cord, neurological symptoms may also occur, such as numbness, difficulty moving or muscle weakness.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Why does your back hurts?
  2. How you treat back pain
  3. What can you do if your back hurts and is not related to a condition but to your posture or lifestyle?

 

Why does your back hurts?

In addition to posture problems, back pain can be caused by countless conditions, such as:

  • muscle contracture
  • diseases of the spine
  •  joint disorders, rheumatic polymyalgia, fibromyalgia, arthritis (rheumatoid arthrosis)
  •  diseases of the hips, sacrum or pelvis
  •  conditions unrelated to the skeleton, spine or related muscles: renal colic, pancreatitis, tumors, pyelonephritis, aortic aneurysm, various infections (osteemielitis, spinal abscesses, infectious arthritis); angina, myocardial infarction, meningitis, esophageal obstruction, inflammation or esophageal neoplasia and thyroiditis (the latter conditions may be responsible, for example, for neck pain)
  •  accidents or traumas (dislocation, fractures caused by accidents or osteoporosis)
  •  congenital anomalies (spina bifida, lumbar S1)
  •  spinal cord compression.

In the list above there are also serious ailments, therefore, if we have pain in the neck or back then we must immediately consult a doctor, especially if we have not had such pain and we can not tell from experience if we have a contracture or stretching, I forced the spine or it’s really something else (kidneys, for example).

Only after a medical consultation and specialized investigations can the correct diagnosis be established with certainty. The doctor will assess the pain based on the symptoms described by the patient and the context in which they occurred or reappear or worsen.

 

How you treat back pain

First of all seriously, because it can be a symptom of a serious condition that evolves quickly (especially in the case of neck pain).

Second, at home, until you get to the doctor, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory (paracetamol, ibuprofen). You must not exceed the permitted doses:

  •  In the case of paracetamol, the maximum dose in adults is 4 g / day, taken in fractions (dose 500mg-1g) over 24 hours
  •  In the case of ibuprofen, the maximum dose for an adult is 1.2 g divided into 3-6 installments over 24 hours

The doctor will be the one to determine the treatment and complementary therapies depending on the condition that causes back pain. As there are many conditions and complexes and especially since back pain occurs and persists in older people who already have certain diseases, a medical team will be needed to collaborate and manage the case and determine the drug treatment according to interactions.

 

What can you do if your back hurts and is not related to a condition but to your posture or lifestyle?

This is one of the happiest cases, because you still have a hard word to say and you can prevent the occurrence of more serious conditions such as herniated disc. So here’s what you can do:

  •  correct your posture on the chair, at the desk, on the sofa, in the car so as not to keep your muscles in tension, and the spine to be positioned upright;
  •  alternate the periods of standing down with those of standing and moving;
  •  exercise – gymnastics, physiotherapy or simply walk;
  •  hold your bag or backpack correctly so that the weight is distributed correctly on both shoulders;
  •  learn to bend correctly using your knees;
  • give up making sudden, forced movements and lifting very heavy objects – either you ask for help or you are looking for technical solutions for lifting and moving objects;
  • use massage, acupuncture, take relaxation baths and reduce the use of special creams that can cause local reactions on the skin.

 

Bed rest when your back hurts

Bed rest when your back hurts

Low back pain, regardless of its cause, affects your mobility. Therefore, many times, during a low back pain crisis, bed rest is the first method used to relieve pain.

But experts believe that lying in bed does nothing but aggravate low back pain. On the other hand, however, exercise and exercise are the ones that can relieve back pain. Sport should not be neglected, despite the reduced mobility, if we want to get rid of back pain quickly.

It is true that acute pain can be temporarily relieved by resting in a comfortable posture, when standing or walking causes severe pain. But we should not overdo it in terms of rest, because, in the long run, this rest does nothing but deepen the problem.

Due to prolonged rest, the back muscles are weakened, which means that the muscles will lose their ability to support the spine, which is not desirable in the case of low back pain. At the same time, due to the state in bed, there will be stiffness in the skeletal system, as well as the muscular one.

Another disadvantage of bed rest is the state of weakness that sets in with a lack of physical activity.

Therefore, after resting in bed, the painful episode is prolonged and it becomes more difficult to return to normal physical activities.

 

CONTENT:

  1. When bed rest is recommended in case of low back pain
  2. What exercise to do during a painful episode
  3. What else can you do to relieve low back pain

 

When bed rest is recommended in case of low back pain

Rest is recommended in fewer situations than you think, when it comes to low back pain. Specifically, only patients who suffer from spinal fractures and who require surgery should avoid movement of any kind and rest before surgery.

Otherwise, all other patients with low back pain have more to gain from physical activity than from rest.

According to studies in the field, back pain will disappear faster if the patient does not choose the option of bed rest to relieve pain. On the other hand, if the patient feels that he has to stay in bed in order to bear the back pain, the rest should not be longer than 1-2 days, as otherwise the risk of prolonging the pain crisis increases.

 

What exercise to do during a painful episode

Over 80% of patients suffering from low back pain do not need a specific, personalized physical training. The patient can therefore practice the sports activities that he usually practices. If the pain does not allow this, activities such as swimming, yoga, pilates or aerobics are recommended.

In more severe cases, the recovery specialist will recommend a set of beneficial exercises, depending on the problem causing the low back pain, as well as the severity of the pain.

Physical therapy is recommended for people who have back pain, whether it is caused by a muscle strain or if it is based on more serious conditions, such as a herniated disc.

 

What else can you do to relieve low back pain

A painful crisis can be combated with remedies at hand such as:

Hot or cold compresses – use a towel on the painful area that you press beforehand, so that it is warm, or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel. Ideally, you should use cold compresses for the first 2 days after the onset of back pain, and then warm compresses.

Ice will soothe pain and fight inflammation, while warm compresses will relax the back muscles, relaxing the area.

Lumbar massage is also effective in relieving low back pain. You can use an anti-inflammatory ointment to increase the effectiveness of this massage. The massage can be done by a close person – husband, wife, brother, but also by a specialist. A masseur technician knows exactly which areas to massage and what movements to use, so that the pain is relieved.

Thermal baths help you get rid of back pain

Thermal baths help you get rid of back pain

Thermal baths, in combination with physiotherapy, massage and other procedures, can significantly relieve back pain, but also joint or muscle pain.

No wonder that we face such problems, especially in the current context, when we spend more time at home, at the computer. One in five Romanians suffers from inflammatory back pain. Over 3% of the adult population is affected by this type of pain, and the most prone are men.

Back pain differs from person to person. It may have a slow onset or may occur suddenly. The pain may be intermittent or constant. In most cases, back pain resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Thermal and sulfur baths will complete your well-being. They reduce depression and pessimism and give you a state of peace and comfort. The body will feel lighter and more relaxed, and any trace of tension is removed.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Thermal baths – what are the recovery treatments?
  2. The benefits of thermal waters
  3. What diseases can be improved by thermal baths

 

Thermal baths – what are the recovery treatments?

Recovery treatments are, of course, also based on the mineral waters in the area, which can be used in external treatment, aerosols or internal treatment.

Thermal mineral waters (38-60 degrees Celsius) can be used externally, in the form of a bath or to do aquatic gymnastics, or in the form of sulfurous baths, in bathtubs.

 

The benefits of thermal waters

These are countless! In addition to combating stress, thermal baths can treat both the chronically ill and those with acute spinal disorders.

Chronic conditions such as rheumatism, degenerative diseases of the spine, spondylosis, discopathies, herniated discs and cervical diseases can be alleviated here.

 

What diseases can be improved by thermal baths

Here are some diseases of the musculoskeletal system that can be alleviated:

  • Inflammatory rheumatism – arthralgias after acute rheumatoid arthritis, infectious secondary rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis;
  • Degenerative diseases of the spine – spondylosis and cervical discopathy, spondylosis and dorsal discopathy, spondylosis and lumbar discopathy;
  • Degenerative rheumatism;
  • Inflammatory or degenerative abarticular rheumatic diseases – abarticular suffering of the lower limbs: tenosynovitis of the foot, bursitis, plantar aponeurosis, talalgia, painful deformities of the foot, flat foot, hollow foot, hammer toes, hallux valgus, metatarsalgia; joint suffering of the upper limbs: scapulohumeral periarthritis, painful shoulder, acute hyperalgesic painful shoulder, mixed shoulder, blocked shoulder, pseudoparalyzed shoulder, tendinitis, abarticular suffering of the spine (cervico-brachial neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, sciatica).
  • Post-traumatic conditions – post-traumatic joint stiffness or after immobilization, operated hip, post-traumatic agglodistrophy, post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the hip or shoulder, post-traumatic peripheral nerve injuries, suffering after tendon injuries, circulatory and trophic disorders after healed fractures, post-traumatic vertebral sequelae without spinal cord injuries, vertebral pain of various causes (capsulo ligamentary, radicular, osteoligamentary, muscular discopathy), limited mobility, vertebral insufficiency due to deficit or muscle imbalance.

 

For prophylactic purposes you can do aquatic gymnastics in pools with sulfurous thermal waters. How does it help you? You can prevent and correct:

  • poor adaptation to thermal factors (cold hands and feet);
  • constitutional deficiencies in the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, kyphosis, hyperlaxity, capsulo-ligament instability);
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • wrong body position.
10 most effective back exercises

10 most effective back exercises

One of the ways you can prevent these pains or alleviate and reduce these pains is to practice back exercises that help you strengthen your back muscles. Avoid going to a specialist and start training today! In the following, we present the list of the most effective back exercises that represent a combination of muscle strengthening and stretching exercises.

Today, both the younger and older generations have back pain. The causes can be the following:

  • Shortened muscles
  • Weak muscles in the central part of the body
  • Stiff back due to sedentary work
  • The sciatic nerve
  • Back pain due to wearing heavy things, bags, bags, on one shoulder
  • Osteoporosis
  • Obesity
  • Weight gain during pregnancy

 

CONTENT:

  1. Bird dog pose
  2. Basin exercises
  3. Bringing the knee to the chest
  4. Plank
  5. Lateral plank
  6. Bending in the back
  7. Swimmer
  8. Reverse Plank
  9. Sphinx
  10. Rotating the lower body

 

 

Bird dog pose

  • Sit on your knees, place your palms on the floor
  • Stretch your right arm forward and at the same time stretch your left leg
  • Keep your back straight and your hips parallel to the ground
  • Stay in this position for 30 seconds and then return to the starting position
  • Repeat the exercise, but this time with your left arm and right leg outstretched

An alternative to this exercise is to raise your right arm and leg at the same time.

 

Basin exercises

  • Sit on the floor in a supine position with your hands outstretched next to your body
  • Bend your knees and keep your feet on the floor
  • Tighten your buttocks and abdominal muscles and lift your pelvis approx. 15 cm above the ground
  • Your body will form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees
  • Wait for a few seconds, then slowly let the pelvis down on the mattress

Repeat 30 times.

 

Bringing the knee to the chest

  • Sit on the floor in a supine position with your hands outstretched next to your body and bend your knees
  • Raise your right leg and grasp the pulp of your foot with both hands
  • Pull your knee toward your chest and your right foot toward your torso
  • Tighten your buttocks and lift your pelvis up
  • Stay in this position for a few seconds and return to the starting position

Repeat the exercise 20 times with each leg.

 

Plank

  • Sit in the plank position
  • Transfer the weight of the body to the tips of the legs and forearms / Keep your elbows under your shoulders and keep your head straight in the extension of the spine
  • The body should be in a perfectly straight line from the shoulders to the heels
  • Tighten your torso muscles and maintain this tension
  • Hold this position for about 30 seconds, but at the same time focus on the correct technique.

 

Lateral plank

  • Place your left hand with your left foot on the floor
  • Stretch your legs, bring your feet together so that your body is in a perfectly straight line
  • Tighten your torso muscles and try to stand up
  • During this time, transfer the weight of the body to the left palm and the sole of the left foot
  • Keep your right arm outstretched and your head facing up. Your body will look like the letter T

Hold this position for 30 seconds and change position.

 

Bending in the back

  • Stand up and move the legs at the shoulders level
  • Place your palms at your hips or at the nape of your neck
  • Lift your left leg and take a step back
  • Bend your knees 90 degrees and simulate the movement as you would like to kneel, but keep your left knee above the mattress. The right knee is positioned above the ankle.

During this exercise you should work your torso muscles, gluteal muscles, but also your legs. Change your legs. Repeat the exercise 20 times.

 

Swimmer

  • Lie on your stomach
  • Keep your arms and legs close to your body
  • Raise your legs and arms simultaneously so that your body looks like a bow, then start simulating swimming and alternately raise your right hand with your left foot and your left hand with your right foot.

Repeat the exercise for 30 seconds.

 

Reverse Plank 

  • Sit on a mattress yoga mat
  • Place your palms on your back and your feet on the mattress
  • Lean on your hands, tense your muscles and lift your body. Your body will be in a straight line from head to toe

Stay in this position for 30 seconds.

 

Sphinx

  • Sit on your stomach with your legs outstretched next to your body
  • Keep your elbows bent in front of your body
  • Keep your head up and your neck straight
  • Tighten your back muscles and lift your upper body on your elbows

Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Do 8-10 repetitions.

 

Rotating the lower body

  • Lie on your back and put a folded towel under your head
  • Stretch your hands to the side and with your knees bent over the mattress
  • Keep your knees close and start moving your feet to the right

Be careful that your back and arms are always glued to the mattress. Do 8-10 repetitions on each side.

Child Scoliosis: causes and symptoms

Child Scoliosis: causes and symptoms

Child Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deficiency that curves the spine, especially in the lumbar region, in the frontal plane, the column taking either the shape of the letter “C” or the shape of the letter “S”. Cases of scoliosis have increased in recent years, being an increasingly common condition among children.

In most cases, scoliosis does not limit movement and does not cause consistent back pain until it becomes severe, when it can lead to difficulty breathing, weakness, numbness or pain in the lower extremities.

 

There are two main types of scoliosis in children:

  • structural, also involves a change in the structure of the elements of the spine – axis rotation of the thoracic vertebrae;
  • functional, it is determined by the inadequate posture, by a sudden / exaggerated increase in height, but it can also appear as a result of a pain (muscle spasm), inflammatory process, limb inequality, etc. It does not involve changes in the structure of the spine.

 

Did you notice a strange posture in the little one? Do you think your shoulders are uneven? Does it have curves of the body to the left or to the right? Here are the possible causes and effects of scoliosis in children. Still in the fast-growing phase, preschoolers and first graders are prone to changing the shape of the spine with long-term repercussions.

Excluding rare diseases that occur at birth, such as congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis is common in the population. Deviation of the spine, either in the thoracic or lumbar, occurs at an early age, from the first years of life until adolescence. They can occur, much less often, in the case of people over 16-20 years old.

Therefore, although the triggers of scoliosis are not fully recognized and scientifically proven, we can assume that certain conditions in the lifestyle of children close to school age are the key by which we can understand, recognize and remedy this condition.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Causes of Child Scoliosis
  2. Symptoms of Child Scoliosis

 

Causes of Child Scoliosis

Until we reach the serious cases, which require surgery or wearing a corrective corset, we need to understand that the dangerous deformation of the verticality of the spine starts, in fact, from a deficient posture. And what are the positions and circumstances that do not benefit the children’s column?

Well, those in which we can see, from the outside, that they involve an unnatural curvature and that extend unhealthily, for tens of minutes in a row.

A. Using the phone or tablet
If there is an abuse of access to technology, it means that the little one is static for a long time and prone to scoliosis. When we look at a screen, we usually do it with our heads down and our backs hunched over, and for children, this position is more dangerous than for adults, because the former are still growing.

B. Any sedentary lifestyle
When children do not spend time daily using their muscles and bones in motion, or playing a sport several times a week, the spine is not properly supported.

C. The student’s position in the bench
The school schedule involves many hours spent sitting, and if the child does not keep both feet on the floor and his back supported by the backrest or on both elbows, on the desk, it is possible that in time there will be a deviation of the column to the left or to the right. depending on the incorrect position he adopts for several consecutive hours. Observe how your child sits and teach him to correct his own posture.

 

Symptoms of Child Scoliosis

Some common aspects visible to the naked eye that may indicate the presence of scoliosis are:

  • difference between shoulder height;
  • the head is not centered with the rest of the body;
  •  difference in hip height or position (uneven hips);
  •  the spine has a twisted position;
  • difference in the height or position of the shoulder blades (a shoulder blade is more prominent);
  •  the ribs are more prominent on one side of the body;
  •  when the child is standing, there is a difference between the way his arms hang next to his body (arms have different lengths);
  •  when leaning forward, the sides of the back appear different in height;
  •  there are problems with breathing due to the small area of ​​the chest for the lungs to swell;
  •  back pain when scoliosis is in an aggravated form;
  •  last but not least, fatigue that occurs after long periods in a sitting or standing position, can be a symptom – the muscles in the back must work more intensely to maintain the balance of the body;

 

Scoliosis can be combated with the help of physical therapy, through exercises of balancing, toning and postural correction, to restore the correct position of the spine.

What mattress do I choose if I have back pain

What mattress do I choose if I have back pain?

Can a mattress cause back pain? Yes! Sleeping on an inappropriate one can cause back pain. Lack of support from a mattress causes a wrong posture during sleep. Hence the discomfort felt from the first hour of the morning.

The spine needs to have a natural position. Therefore, if you constantly wake up with back pain or tense muscles, it is most likely due to the fact that the current mattress does not support your spine properly. When do you know you have to buy a new bed mattress?

3 reasons to change it:

  • You wake up with back pain
  • You will not find your position comfortable no matter how much you turn
  • You feel tired after a night of continuous sleep

 

CONTENT:

  1. What type of mattress is best for back pain, hard or soft?
  2. What type of mattress should I choose if I have back pain?
  3. Is an orthopedic mattress good for back pain?

 

What type of mattress is best for back pain, hard or soft

Many people think that a firm mattress is the best when you face back pain, but it is not entirely true. A firm one does not allow a natural curvature of the spine during sleep.

Pay attention to mattresses with medium firmness, therefore you will have a sleeping surface that is neither too hard nor too soft to properly support your body weight.

On the other hand, an excessively soft one will not support your body properly, allowing it to sink too much. Thus, the back pain will worsen.

 

What type of mattress should I choose if I have back pain?

The material of which the mattress is made also plays an important role in relieving pain. The most popular mattresses for back pain are those made of memory foam (Memory Foam) and latex. We will further present the characteristics of these two types of mattresses.

A. Memory Foam 

Memory Foam mattresses are considered to be very good for back pain because they outline the curves of the body and at the same time support the back, keeping the spine in a natural position.

Thus, those are shaped and adapted to the shapes, allowing more generous parts, such as the hips and shoulders, to sink, while narrower areas of the body, such as the waist and legs, rise above the mattress.

Sleeping that keeps the spine straight in a natural position relieves the pressures frequently associated with many back pain. A mattress that does not adapt to the shape of the body or with weak support, forces the body to rest at an unnatural angle and prevents complete relaxation of tense muscles.

Attention:

  • the memory foam mattress is shaped by the body shape;
  • it also provides good support for the entire spine;
  • memory foam mattress prevents back, shoulder and hip pain.

 

B. Latex 

Latex is also an excellent material for relieving back pain, because it cushions the weight of the body and is shaped after it. It should be noted that it does not offer the same feeling of immersion as the memory foam mattress, so it is firmer.

The latex mattress is very good for back pain, due to the fact that it easily adapts to the shape of the body, providing adequate support for the spine. In addition, latex mattresses are highly appreciated by customers, due to the comfort offered.

Attention:

  • it is elastic, soft, with a greater firmness than the Memory Foam mattress;
  • it is shaped by the shape of the body and at the same time provides optimal support;
  • ideally combines comfort (elasticity) with firmness.

 

Is an orthopedic one good for back pain?

Yes, if you suffer from spinal problems, joints or back pain, an orthopedic mattress may be the solution. What you need to know is that you will need to be careful before making a purchase, because the term orthopedic can be used for marketing purposes to increase sales. There is no certification that a mattress is orthopedic or not.

So pay attention to the material used, the density of the mattress. The higher the density (refers to how much foam there is air), the more it is suitable for back pain, being firmer – 23 – 28 kg / m³. Soft mattresses, which have a density of 50 kg / m³ are recommended for people who have no back problems at all.

The most effective types of massage for back pain

The most effective types of massage for back pain

Low back pain can be chronic or acute. Regardless of the type, but also the cause of the pain, massage is an effective remedy in relieving back pain. Here are the types of massage to try to quickly relieve low back pain!

Massage has been used for thousands of years for therapeutic purposes. Its purpose is not only to relieve back pain, but also to provide a state of well-being and relax the body in tense moments.

 

CONTENT:

  1. The benefits of massage for back health
  2. Swedish massage
  3. Needle-free acupuncture
  4. Deep pressure, for rigid muscles
  5. Ice massage to reduce inflammation

 

The benefits of massage for back health

Massage therapy is increasingly accepted in the medical community as a real treatment for many types of back pain and / or as an adjunct to other medical treatments. Research shows that different types of massage therapy has many health benefits in back pain, including:

  • Increased blood flow and circulation, which leads to better nutrition of muscles and tissues. It helps to recover muscle pain from physical activity or soft tissue injuries (such as muscle strain).
  • Decreased muscle tension. This muscle relaxation can improve flexibility, reduce pain caused by contracted muscles and even improve sleep.
  • Elevated endorphin levels in the brain. This mood enhancer can lower depression and anxiety, which can help reduce pain and speed recovery – especially important for those with chronic back or neck pain.

 

Swedish massage

The best known and most practiced type of massage is the Swedish one. It includes various techniques for manipulating the skin, but without reaching the deep muscle tissues.

Therefore, the effect is more relaxing than therapeutic, the maneuvers being very pleasant. However, with the sensation of relaxation and muscle relaxation, the specific movements of Swedish massage (vibration, friction, rolling the skin, etc.) stimulate blood circulation.

Thus, any circulation problems in the extremities are alleviated and, in addition, headaches caused by poor brain irrigation are eliminated.

 

Needle-free acupuncture

Shiatsu massage is performed by applying pressure to certain key points on the body. The goal is to rebalance the vital energy of Qi in the body, and the therapeutic effects are extremely varied.

Thus, with the help of this technique, the tense muscles are relaxed, the elimination of toxins from the body is stimulated and, in addition, the mood is improved. Several studies have shown that shiatsu massage causes the release of high levels of endorphins, hormones called “natural analgesics” by specialists.

Therefore, this type of massage reduces the intensity of pain of any kind. you do not have to undress, the techniques involve pressure made with your fingers, the palm of your hand or your elbows.

 

Deep pressure, for rigid muscles

A type of massage similar in terms of techniques to the Swedish one is deep massage (deep tissue, in English). It is performed more slowly, but with more pressing and deeper movements, for the manipulation of deep muscle tissues.

It is less pleasant for people who prefer a relaxing massage, but is extremely effective in removing back pain caused by so-called muscle “knots.” This type of massage is used especially for people who do physical work and overloads the muscles, in the case of athletes, but also those with spinal deformities caused by vicious posture.

Exaggerated curves of the spine cause contractions of the muscles that support it, and deep massage relaxes the muscles. Specialists even say that these massage techniques have an important role and in posture correction.

 

Ice massage to reduce inflammation

If you make a wrong move, lift a heavy object, or simply sleep in an uncomfortable position, the affected muscles become inflamed and cause pain. In this situation, one of the most effective solutions is ice massage. Put a few ice cubes in a towel and apply or walk on the painful area.

The drop in temperature induced by the ice slows down the inflammatory process and alleviates the pain, by contracting the blood vessels that irrigate the place. But be careful! Do not resort to this type of massage if you suffer from rheumatism, because it can have the opposite effect, exacerbating joint pain.

What back pain you should never ignore

What back pain you should never ignore

Back pain is one of the most common ailments of the 21st century. Everyone faces such pain at some point, even if it is caused by an accident or one due to improper body position.

Most of us have jobs that limit our freedom of movement and that involve intellectual work, which takes place in the office, on a chair. That is why it is a common problem, especially in companies and corporations.

The pain occurs in several areas of the spine and can be treated by adopting a correct position or by medication and rest. Although most pain does not hide serious health problems, there is a certain pain that we should never ignore.

How many times have you felt pain in your lower back? This discomfort can occur due to the effort you have made or the incorrect position of the body. In this case, ointments or pills usually get rid of you in a few days of discomfort.

In other cases, however, this pain can be caused by a very serious condition.

 

CONTENT:

  1. Classification of pain according to intensity
  2. Causes
  3. How to prevent it

 

Classification of pain according to intensity

a. acute pain: is the type of pain that lasts a short time, but is intense;
b. chronic pain: it is a pain that lasts longer and has an intensity that increases and decreases;
c. coccygodynia: if you feel pain in the end of the spine (coccyx area), you most likely suffer from this disease;
d. sciatica: this condition causes the pain to go down on the leg.

 

Causes 

  • muscle stretching: intense exercise can cause such muscle spasms that can be felt in the form of back pain. They don’t have to worry you, because they can pass in a few days or weeks;
  • affected intervertebral discs: when the discs change position, you may experience intense pain. Repeated physical exertion leads to the movement of these discs, and the pain can be unbearable;
  • lumbar stenosis: this effect is mainly found in the elderly. As you get older, the lumbar canal narrows, causing pain;
  • lumbar arthritis: arthritis mainly affects the joints (knees and fingers). When it occurs in the lumbar region, the pain can exist mainly when you move;
  • osteoporosis: this condition causes many orthopedic problems and discomfort. The pain in this case is mainly due to vertebral fractures. Osteoporosis weakens the bones and thus fractures are inevitable.
  • Pancreatic cancer: This disease usually progresses without symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. When signs of concern appear, the cancer is already spreading to neighboring areas. At this stage, weight loss, yellow skin, dark urine, light stools, nausea, vomiting and enlarged lymph nodes appear. When the tumor appears in the tail of the pancreas, abdominal and back pain are the only symptoms.
  • cervical cancer: in the early stages, cervical cancer is manifested by bleeding between periods or the appearance of colored and foul-smelling discharge. When the cancer spreads to neighboring areas, bone pain, fatigue, leg pain, or weight loss occur.
  • Ovarian cancer: in this case, the pain is accompanied by irregular menstruation, abdominal pain, constipation or pain during intercourse.

 

How to prevent it

Preventing this pain involves, first and foremost, a change in your daily routine. Therefore, this is not a condition that you should overlook. It can hide diseases that, if left untreated in time, can mark you for life.