In the past, we’ve spoken about steps you should take to prevent back injuries. We all know, after all, that prevention is better than cure when it comes to health. But, does that mean you should give up if you’ve already fallen foul to a slipped disc or sprain? Of course not.
While some back injuries are incredibly tough to overcome, others have easy solutions. You will, of course, have to put in some degree of effort. Injuries like these rarely cure themselves. But, you certainly don’t have to face a life of pain. To show you how easy overcoming these injuries can be, we’ve put together a four-step recovery program that anyone can follow.
Diagnosis
Before you undergo any self-recovery program, it’s essential you receive a diagnosis. And we’re not talking about self-diagnosis from Dr. Google. You need to visit a professional. The main reason being that you could do more damage than good if you jump into the wrong recovery routine. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. In that case, a program like this won’t cut it.
If your doctor gives you the all clear to continue, you should consider where your biggest problem lies. Does your back hurt more in the mornings, for example? Gaining knowledge like this will help you understand the nature of your injury. And, understanding it is crucial if you want to overcome the issue.
Make Necessary Changes
Once you’ve diagnosed problem areas, you can start to make necessary changes. If you do struggle the most in the mornings, it may be that you need a mattress designed for easing back pain. Or, perhaps you decided that you struggle most after sitting for extended periods of time. If this is the case, bad posture may be your problem. In this instance, research the proper way you should sit, and make sure to put it into practice. There are small solutions like this for most issues. All you need to do is look for them.
Start Gentle Exercises
Now, we move onto the cure aspect of the program. Physiotherapy works wonders for back problems and done right; it’ll do the same for you. But, jumping in at the deep end is sure to lead to more serious injuries than what you’re currently dealing with. Again, it’s worth consulting with your doctor before you start. In some cases, they may advise a professional route. If not, get started with simple exercises, such as yoga. These will help to heal your injury without causing undue strain before you’re ready.
Build Your Practice
After a few weeks of successful gentle exercise, you can begin to build your practice. Again, take it slow. Add on an extra five minutes, then ten minutes. A gradual increase like this will improve your strength no problem. The chances are you won’t even notice that improvement is happening. But, rest assured, your efforts will fast take you on the track to recovery.