Living Free of Back Pain in the New Year

Warding Off Spinal Pain in the New Year

With the New Year upon us, what better time than now to take charge of your spinal health? The experts at Inspired Spine are here to share some tips to help you enjoy 2022 pain-free.

Make Changes to Your Diet

Like most areas of your health, the foods you eat can have an impact on pain-causing inflammation that can affect your spinal health. Fortunately, there are foods that you can avoid or add to your diet to ward off pain-causing inflammation.

Foods that Cause Inflammation

Foods to limit in your diet that cause inflammation include:

• Refined carbohydrates
• Fried foods
• Drinks with added sugar
• Red meats
• Processed meats
• Margarine and butter
• Shortening and lard

Foods that Prevent Inflammation

Foods that have antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds include:

• Olive oil
• Dark leafy greens
• Fatty fish
• Berries
• Citrus fruits
• Apples
• Whole grains
• Avocados
• Mushrooms
• Turmeric
• Dark chocolate
• Coffee

Pamper Yourself With a Massage

For many people suffering from persistent back pain, muscle tension affecting the neck and back can be the culprit. While getting a massage can be relaxing and can give your mental health a boost, it can also help to release pain-causing tension affecting your back and surrounding muscle groups.

Try Yoga and Dynamic Stretching

It may be tempting to spend a lot of your time sitting, lying down, and relaxing for many people suffering from neck and back pain. However, being physically active and moving your body can help to alleviate stiffness affecting your orthopedic health.

Try incorporating yoga and dynamic stretching into your daily routine to improve flexibility and range of motion while also eliminating unwanted tension.

Try Hot & Cold Therapy

Applying heat to your neck and back can help to alleviate unwanted spinal discomfort. Whether you prefer to use a heating pad, take a hot shower, or run a warm bath, these heat applications can help you find some relief.

On the other hand, applying ice can help reduce pain-causing inflammation that may affect your spinal health. Try applying an ice pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling.

When to Consider Surgery

Chiropractic Care Is No Longer Helping

For many people suffering from spinal discomfort, seeing a chiropractor for adjustments is recommended as a way to find temporary relief from your symptoms. Unfortunately, conditions affecting the neck and back can progress and continue to worsen over time, making adjustments less effective.

You Don’t Want to Use Prescription Drugs for Pain Management

While many people living with spinal health issues see a chiropractor or physical therapist for their symptoms, medications are also commonly prescribed to help reduce pain. Unfortunately, this does not help to address the cause of your pain, it just provides temporary relief.

There are also dangers of opioid addiction when relying on prescription drugs as a means to find pain for relief. In fact, 1 in 4 people who are on opioid therapy also struggle with addiction to their prescribed medication.

You Avoid Certain Activities to Avoid Pain

Most people find themselves ignoring minor aches and pains as they go about their daily routine. However, when pain becomes chronic, it can get in the way of performing simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even driving. If you find yourself avoiding normal everyday activities to minimize your pain, it may be time to consider a more permanent pain management option.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance — it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.