If you’ve been suffering from back pain, you need to know these helpful home remedies.
There are cases when chronic back pain will require a professional touch. Always consult your doctor and physiotherapist for back pain treatment first . But for those times when your back is keeping you up at night, we have you covered.
We asked after-hours doctors for the best ‘at home’ treatments for a sore back.
- Apply heat
Heat packs and warming ointments are usually a good place to start when looking for fast relief. Heat will reduce inflammation and relieve built up toxins. The most uncomfortable part of a sore back usually comes from swelling. Increase the blood flow to painful areas with heat to restore your range of movement.
Heat is best applied after stretching or massaging the muscle.
- Apply ice
Directly after an injury or spasm you want to apply ice. Wrap an ice pack in a towel to protect your skin and apply directly to your injury. The cold will reduce swelling and pain.
You can alternate between cold and warm treatments. Apply ice for twenty minutes then switch back to a heat pack.
- Work out the knots
A still back is a sore back. Try and walk around to loosen up tight muscles. Changing your posture and allowing proper circulation can help drastically reduce pain.
A foam roller is another easy and affordable way to work out any knots. Check out videos online that demonstrate safe stretches you can do at home.
- Acupressure mats
Acupressure mats are designed to release muscle tension. These mats can be purchased online and at most health stores. Simply lie down on the mat for ten minutes to restore blood flow.
- Muscle relaxing soaks
Epsom salts, magnesium flakes and warm water are a timeless treatment. An oldie but a goodie, these minerals ease muscle aches in minutes. Find time to soak in a tub of warm water and magnesium. If you don’t have a bathtub or find lying down uncomfortable, you can find topical magnesium treatments at most pharmacies.
If you are being kept up all night with an aching back, you can check out an after-hours doctor for extra assistance.