Many of us have experience with back braces and would agree that a brace is one of the greatest ways to improve back support in addition to decreasing back pain on a daily basis. Although a back brace is wonderful way to help give yourself a break from back pain, there are numerous other ways that you can do to increase your odds in receiving better back support and eliminating pain. In general, whether it is a back injury or permanent back issues, these other ways can help you on a daily basis if performed correctly and regularly.
Exercise – Exercising is one of the greatest ways to build your back muscle and create better back support. Not only doesn’t it strengthen the back but it also gets you up and moving, which in return stretches the back keeps you from staying in one position. Although exercise is a good activity, you must still be careful you do not damage or injure your back worse.
Keep a Straight Posture – Posture, posture, posture. Nothing is more important then having (and maintaining) a straight and solid posture. Not only will it build a stronger back but also it will relieve back pain in most cases. Amazingly you can increase pressure up to 60% if you stand up straight and stretch your back.
Contact a Back Specialist – If you feel that your back is not strengthening or getting better, it may be time to see a spine or back specialist. Not only can a specialist assist you in making sure you have the right back brace but they may suggest exercises, diet plans or possibly requesting surgery. Going to visit a specialist can do nothing but benefit you and your back.
Administer Ice and Heat – Understanding the right time when to apply heat or ice is crucial, otherwise you can worsen your back. If your back is feeling tense and tight a heat pad can help relax it. If you may have some swelling or it is the first 48 hours after an injury, always use ice; otherwise it can inflame the back. Ask a specialist or doctor whether you should heat or ice your back since every back injury is different.
Sleep Correctly – Rest can be one of the key determinants on whether or not your back may “act up” or have an episode. Depending on whether you are getting enough sleep or how you sleep on your back may play a huge roll in your back injury. If you are back sleeper, make sure to put a pillow under your knee, and if you are a side sleeper make sure to place a soft pillow between your knees. If you are a stomach sleeper try to change to a side or back sleeper, otherwise you can twist your neck and spine in positions that you should not be in. Both of these techniques will keep your spine in a straight and comfortable position.
There are many more techniques in order to improve back support and alleviate back pain. By using your back brace properly and using the listed techniques, you should begin to see an improvement in strength and a decrease in pain.