Do you suffer from sharp back pain? You are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can range from a mild annoyance to a sharp, stabbing sensation. Fortunately, you can take measures against this. Read on to learn how to ease your sharp back pain.
What Are the Common Causes of Back Pain?
Sharp or acute mechanical back pain is most commonly felt in the lower back, but it can also radiate to the buttocks and thighs. The following conditions are usually associated with back pain:
- Arthritis
- Ligament or muscle strain
- Ruptured discs
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Diseases like spinal tumors
Six Ways to Find Relief from Sharp Back Pain
Here are some ways you can find relief from back pain. Remember, if your back pain lasts for more than a few days, occurred suddenly after an injury, or continues to worsen with time, you must see a doctor right way.
1. Use an Ice Pack or a Heating Pad
Many patients report that applying heat, cold, or a combination of the two to the affected area helps ease the pain. Ice is usually the best treatment if your back is inflamed or swollen. A heating pad is often used for stiff or tight muscles.
Limit heat or ice treatment to 20 minutes at a time for best results. Also, if you’re putting muscle-ache creams or ointments on your skin, avoid using them with ice packs and heat.
2. Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Short-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation. You can also consider applying pain relieving gels, creams, or patches to the skin. They stimulate your nerves, provide feelings of warmth or cold, and reduce pain.
3. Perform Yoga Stretches
Yoga helps stretch the back, improving the health of your muscles and joints, and increasing your spine’s flexibility. Perform stretches slowly at first and only progress in difficulty if you are comfortable. You’ll gradually be able to incorporate more stretches into your routine. Yoga is best practiced first thing in the morning to help loosen your spine and reduce stiffness and sharp back pain.
4. Massage
A study showed people with chronic back pain benefitted from weekly massage therapy over ten weeks. Spinal manipulation by a licensed specialist is another hands-on method that can help relieve structural problems with the spine and restore lost mobility.
5. Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can teach you stretches and exercises for sharp back pain. The therapist may use other treatment techniques such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and active release therapy, depending on the intensity of your back pain.
6. Improve Your Sleep
Back pain can also be due to poor sleeping posture. Make sure your spine is in neutral position and try to sleep on your back. If you have trouble sleeping, you can switch sides regularly. Instead of placing your pillow beneath your shoulders, place it beneath your neck and head.
Choosing the right mattress is also critical — a relatively soft mattress is better if your waist is narrower than your hips. A more rigid mattress is recommended if your waist and hips are nearly the same widths. Talk to your doctor about further recommendations on how to improve your sleep.
Back Pain Treatment in Dallas, TX
Back pain is a universal issue, but you don’t have to tolerate nagging, sharp back pain, especially if it prevents you from going about your daily life. Our highly trained and experienced chiropractic specialists here at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine can assist you in alleviating back pain.
Is your back pain bothering you? Call us at (972) 503-7272 or use our secure online form to request an appointment today. We look forward to addressing your needs!
