Back Pain

As you know, straining your back can be brutal. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain ranks at 11. It can be difficult to walk, sit, sleep, or do anything. All you want to do is lie down, prop your head on some pillows, flick on TV reruns, and remain still. And you can think of nothing better than having your spouse deliver ice packs, painkillers, and the latest issue of Tattler directly to your bed. But too much TLC and inactivity can actually make things worse.

If you stay in bed longer than 48 hours, your back muscles start to weaken, which ups the risk of more trouble. To recover from a strain, your muscles need to grow stronger and stay active, and the only way they can do that is by working or exercising, even if it’s just a little bit. The best method at first: Start walking around the house. Even if it is hard. Maybe even make coffee for your spouse who’s been so good to you. Every day, move a little more and keep moving until you’re back to normal.

For chronic back pain sufferers, go see a chiropractor.