Act fast and you can keep a twinge from becoming an all-out backache.
Ice, then heat
“When you first experience back pain, apply an ice pack to reduce the inflammation caused by muscle tension,” says Douglas Chang, M.D. After two days, switch to a heating pad: A study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that wearing a heated back wrap, like those from ThermaCare ($7; drugstore.com), for eight hours a day for three days reduced the intensity of back pain by 60 percent.
Pop a painkiller
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), can relieve the pain and stiffness caused by a back injury. But don’t take them for more than 10 days in a row: Long-term use may harm your gastrointestinal tract and even raise your risk for stomach ulcers.
Get moving
Resting for more than a few days will slow your recovery. “Your back muscles weaken, which could exacerbate your pain or cause a more serious problem,” says Rahul Shah, M.D. So even if it’s uncomfortable, return to your routine ASAP.
No comments:
Post a Comment