Baker's Best of Health

There aren’t many good things to say about back pain, but here’s a small bit of comfort: It usually doesn’t last long, and it’s rarely serious. Most people recover in a few weeks without spending a dime at the doctor’s office.

Okay, now for the lousy news: Sooner or later, just about everyone gets it. Sure, you can injure your back on the job or in a car crash, but by far the most frequent cause isn’t anything catastrophic—it’s everyday weakness and inflexibility in the muscles that support the back.

But you don’t have to twiddle your thumbs and wait for Father Time to cure your aching back—you can help him along. In fact, you should, because if you treat a back problem in the early stages, you may reduce the likelihood of long-term pain and disability. Back pain that’s severe or doesn’t start getting better within a week or two should always be checked by a doctor.  For garden-variety aches, though, here’s what you need to do:

1.   Move and keep moving. The worst thing anyone with an achy back can do is to sit still. In fact, resting for more than a day or two reduces muscle flexibility and strength and can lead to further disability. Let your pain be your guide and do everyday activities as you can tolerate them.

2.   Grab an oversize exercise ball and give this mini-workout a try. First, lie face down across the ball with your hands and feet on the floor. Lift one arm and then the other as high as you can, raising your torso from the ball. Pause for a count of 10, then return both hands to the floor. Next, place both hands behind your head and lift your torso as high as you can. Hold for 5 counts, then release. Repeat as many times as is comfortable.

3.   Even if your back pain has you lying on the floor, you can stretch your arms and legs, elongating the tissues in your back and drawing healing blood and oxygen to the area. Just remember to stay relaxed, cushion your back with a pad, and use slow, gentle movements as you extend your arms over your head and stretch your legs along the floor. Hold each stretch for about a minute, then relax.

4.   A traditional Epsom salts bath can help ease spasms and relieve pain. Add 2 cups of the salts to a hot bath, sink down, and feel the relief. Afterward, place an ice pack on your back.

The special blend of aloe vera, emu oil, lidocaine, menthol, and more in Baker’s Best Arthritis Pain Relief Cream combines old-time healing wisdom with the miracles of modern science. Its quick penetrating action can help bring temporary relief to an aching back in just minutes, so you’ll be back on your feet in no time at all. And best of all, you can try it—FREE for 21 days!