How to mitigate back pain Whether strain, inadequate sleep, poor posture, or a previous injury, back pain can be caused by different factors. Back pain is a common ailment that can significantly impact your quality of life — especially if it continues over time and prevents you from doing activities you love. Back pain could start as a minor discomfort and end up becoming a painful injury. That's why you should avoid certain situations or behaviors that can contribute to back pain, no matter how trivial they may seem. Here are five simple ways you can start mitigating back pain in your daily life.

1. Stretching

The human body is not designed to stay in one position for too long, but modern life requires sitting for extended periods of time. From hours at your desk to lengthy commutes, sitting can be a major cause of your back pain by continually compressing your spine. You can counter some of the stiffness and soreness caused from sitting, by standing and stretching gently at regular intervals. Experts recommend moving or stretching for at least one minute every half hour during periods of sedentary activity. Stretching gives your circulation a boost and lets your spine reset into its natural curve. If you must sit for long periods, consider using an active or ergonomic chair. These chairs are designed to specifically help you maintain correct posture while you are sitting, which can help alleviate back pain.

2. Exercise

Stretching is helpful, but it’s no substitute for exercise. Exercise improves circulation throughout your body, including your spinal discs. It also releases endorphins that naturally help relieve back pain. If you focus on activities that strengthen your core, you can give your spine extra support to help you maintain good posture, which can alleviate back pain. Always speak to your doctor before beginning a new exercise program with the goal of reducing your back pain. Your doctor can give you advice on specific exercises you should do — or avoid — to get the most out of your workout and to prevent you from causing additional injuries.

3. Comfortable Sleep

Getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial for many aspects of your health, including your body’s ability to repair itself after everyday use. If you have an uncomfortable mattress, you won’t be enjoying the deep sleep you need, and you’ll lack proper back support at night. These factors can lead to back pain during the day. You spend a significant part of your life sleeping, so invest in a mattress that provides comfort and support. Do some research ahead of time and test a few mattress models before choosing the one that has the right firmness and thickness for you. Your investment will pay off every day after you wake up well rested and without mattress-induced back pain.

4. Appropriate Furniture

Your mattress isn’t the only piece of furniture that could be contributing to your back pain. Your back pain might be directly related to your home furniture or office chair. You may spend as many hours sitting in an office chair as you do resting in bed, which means the chair you choose for work can also impact your health. This is why it is important to use a chair that is comfortable yet supportive of the natural curve of your spine. The best office chairs are those with an ergonomic design and a variety of adjustment options so you can customize your chair to support your body and encourage correct posture. Your home furniture should also be designed for healthy living, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort. There are many sleek sofas, sectionals, and recliners that will look great in your living space and provide comfortable support to you and your family.

5. Massage

Massage is a great way to alleviate back pain. Applying strategic pressure and stimulation to muscle tissues can loosen stiff, sore muscles and relieve back pain. Going to a professional massage therapist may not always be convenient, but you can bring massage therapy home thanks to the wide range of home massage devices. You can choose from handheld devices to specifically to target your back, electric muscle stimulators, and recliners with massage and heat functions. The massager you select will depend on the massage style that works best for you. Using a combination of these five methods can help you relieve or avoid back pain. Contact The Back Store and speak to our knowledgeable team to find out how you can mitigate back pain with the furniture and accessories in your home or office.