Lower back pain can interfere with your life in so many ways. When you suffer from back pain, it may make it impossible to enjoy a simple walk in the park or playing in the backyard with your kids. It may even make it difficult to successfully carry out your duties in the workplace or at home. Fortunately, Dr. Quinones at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in St. Thomas, St. Croix, can help you learn how to manage your back pain. Keep reading to learn more.
Heat and Ice Therapy
If you suffer from lower back pain, heat and ice therapy is one way of treating it. Electrical heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm bath help your muscles relax. They also improve blood flow. Increased blood flow helps your tense muscles to heal. If your lower back pain is caused by inflammation, ice packs help reduce swelling. Either method can effectively treat lower back pain.
Staying Active
When you have back pain, exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but it's still important, Gentle stretching and simple exercise like walking may be just what you need for lower back pain. Both can stabilize your spine, improve your posture and boost your overall health. In fact, people who are regular exercisers often experience less pain than those who are more sedentary.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Lower back pain can make you miserable, but over-the-counter medication sometimes helps. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen are good choices when you want to decrease your back pain. Speaking with a St. Thomas, St. Croix doctor can help you learn how to safely and effectively take these kinds of medications.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Do you want to manage your lower back pain? Take a look at your diet. Processed foods and food high in refined sugars and trans fats are bad for your health. These types of foods lead to inflammation in your body. Instead, stick to a healthy diet, and it may alleviate your lower back pain. Schedule an appointment with a St. Thomas, St. Croix doctor to learn more about following a healthy diet.
Call Today
If you live in St. Thomas, St. Croix area and suffer from lower back pain, Dr. Quinones at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine provides a wide array of services to help ease those aches and pains. Schedule an appointment today by calling 340-714-2845 or 340-692-5000.