Few conditions are more painful than
persistent back pain. And with all the extra physical activity during the
holidays—from long days spent shopping, to decorating and tree-trimming—your back muscles can take a beating. Before a back attack makes you miss a single
minute of the celebration, try these simple strategies to halt the hurt
in a hurry:
1.
Don’t be a bed bug. Get up and moving
as soon as you can to increase circulation and bring healing nutrients to
damaged muscles.
2.
As soon as your back starts hurting,
apply a cold pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel to your sore muscles. Cool
the area for about 20 minutes every few hours.
3.
Get comfortable. Experiment a bit to
find the position that causes you the least pain. The less strain you put on
your back muscles, the more quickly the injury will heal.
4.
Wear shoes that have plenty of
cushioning. Cross-training or walking shoes are just what the doctor ordered.
5.
Once or twice a day, stand on one leg
next to a sturdy table and extend your other leg in front of you, with the heel
resting on a chair or low table. Lean forward at your hips and try to touch the
toes of your outstretched foot. Don’t go too far, just to the point at which
the pain starts. Hold the stretch for a moment, relax, then repeat the
movements with our other leg.
6.
Take an anti-inflammatory. Studies
have shown that aspirin, ibuprofen, and similar drugs often work as well for
back pain as more powerful prescription drugs.
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