Back pain is a complicated issue that's all too common in people's lives. It can be short-term or chronic, depending on the injury and how it's dealt with. The hours following hurting your back can be crucial to your recovery, so here's a closer look at what to do—and what to avoid—to improve your odds of finding relief sooner.

Do:

Stop what you’re doing.

Many people injure their backs by lifting heavy objects, bending over quickly, or twisting awkwardly. Whatever you’re doing, stop it right away and relax. Continuing these motions will likely further inflame the injured muscles, creating more pain. 

Chances are that you strained or overextended them, so they need rest. Lie flat on your back for a moment if it’s comfortable, and avoid strenuous activities until the swelling goes down.

Apply ice or heat.

Ice and heat can help ease inflammation and the associated pain. Apply ice or a heat pack to the injured area for 15 minutes. Take them off for another 15 minutes, and then repeat as needed to manage swelling and discomfort. Don’t put ice directly on your skin, however, as the extreme cold could damage skin nerves.

Don’t:

Sleep on your stomach.

You may find sleeping on your stomach only worsens back pain. It pushes your spine out of its natural position, putting pressure on nerves and straining muscles. 

If possible, sleep flat on your back. This is the most supportive position and has the best chance of easing back pain.

Delay medical care for extreme pain.

If the pain isn’t receding, don’t keep assuming it will be better the next day. You may have a herniated disk. This is when the cushioning disks between your vertebrae slip out and put pressure on nerves. 

When this occurs, you may experience sharp, debilitating pain with no improvement regardless of rest. It’s crucial to see a chiropractor and get a treatment plan started—for the sake of immediate relief and your future well-being.

If back pain is an ongoing issue, turn to Spectrum Healthcare of Cornelia, GA. This medical office provides a diverse range of pain management services, including urgent care, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. Learn more about the practice on their website or call (706) 778-0077 to schedule an exam and consultation.