Proven Techniques For Lower Back Pain Relief

All anyone needs to do is walk down an aisle in a drugstore to see how many products exist for lower back pain relief. As one might guess, there are so many products available to buy today because there are so many people suffering from lower back pain. The amount of people living with lower back pain is staggering. Its one of the most common complaints doctors deal with every day, in every doctors office and hospital. Everyone is looking for ways to find relief for the lower back pain they experience.

Its no wonder they are, either. Lower back pain can affect every aspect of a persons life. Sitting, standing, laying down all of those things and more can be made more difficult and infinitely more uncomfortable if you have an injured back. People wind up tired, cranky and in overall poor shape if they cant get the rest and relaxation they need. Poor rest means poor immune systems which results in increased sickness. Truly, lower back pain and everything it causes is a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Where can someone find lower back pain relief? As was stated earlier, drugstores usually have a wide assortment of products that promise relief but do they work? The answer is yes and no. It really depends on the type of injury you have that is causing your lower back pain.

If you have a strain, heat tends to work very well. You can purchase disposable heat wraps that instantly activate the second the package is opened. Many of those kinds of heat wraps come with little pieces of Velcro or a cloth that can stick to itself that can be used to hold the heat wrap in place. That is especially handy if you need to be on the go while receiving a heat treatment. If you dont want something that is disposable, you can purchase regular heat wraps or make one yourself. A sock, stuffed with uncooked white rice, and tied at the end makes an excellent heat wrap when placed in the microwave for several minutes first.

Of course, medications can also work, especially if your pain is particularly intense. You might want to limit taking the pain medication to just before bed if you have to be able to drive during the day or otherwise have to function. Some medications can make a person rather dizzy or tired so its always best to play it safe when looking for lower back pain relief.

Ultimately, the best relief is to avoid getting injured in the first place. Keep your back muscles strong through stretches and exercises. Use proper techniques for bending and lifting at all times. Dont be afraid to ask for help or use tools such as dollies or belts that offer lower back support if youre moving something heavy. After all, you wont need lower back pain relief if you can avoid getting injured to begin with.

How to Seek Arthritis Relief When Shopping

Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, just functioning from day-to-day may seem difficult. Walking to your car, let alone climbing inside and driving, may seem out of the question. Not only is it too hard, but it may be very painful. So, what should you do? It may be easier to sit on the couch at home, but dont let arthritis control you or your life. We all need to shop, especially for groceries. So, what can you do to ease the pain and discomfort?

Create a grocery list by aisle. Those with arthritis of the toes, knees, and hips, find it difficult and painful to walk. To prevent wasted steps, create a grocery list based on aisles. This prevents you from retracing your steps and walking more. Some grocery stores have guides available for shoppers. Or, the next time you are there, record the aisle numbers and sample of items in the aisle. Use as your guide.

Always use a shopping cart. Regardless of which joints are affected by arthritis, opt for a shopping cart. Baskets are convenient for when you only need to buy a few items, but they can be difficult and painful to grip. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, knees, and hips, a shopping cart provides you with walking support. Also, dont be afraid to use the motorized shopping carts. Many stores have them available free of charge.

Use a reacher or ask for help. You will experience the most problems at the grocery store. Items are scattered on shelves both high and low. If you find it difficult to bend or reach, ask for help or purchase an extended reacher. They are available for sale at most drug stores and medical stores. These reachers can also help those with difficulty gripping items. If you need help, ask a store associated or a passerby.

Take a break when you need to. It is no secret that both grocery stores and supermarkets are large. Walking from the car to the store may seem like a long journey, but just wait into you get inside. It is not a race to finish quickly; take a break whenever you start to experience pain or difficulty moving. In the grocery store, visit the caf or move your cart to the side of an aisle and lean on it for support. Shopping malls have benches scattered throughout; take a seat and rest.

Opt for paper or reusable bags at the grocery store. Those suffering from arthritis of the fingers, experience pain when gripping and carrying plastic shopping bags. Many dread trips to the grocery store. Instead, opt for paper or reusable bags. Most reusable bags have long handlings; you can sling them over your shoulder. To carry paper bags, use both arms, not just your fingers and hands. Also, do not be afraid to ask a store associate to load your bags into the car or ask a neighbor for help.

As a last resort, hire someone to shop for you. In fact, you may not even need to pay. See if a close friend or family member will pickup a few items for you at the grocery store. Many stores now enable you to shop right from your home. With these stores, you browse or search through their product list, add items to your virtual shopping card, make payment, and wait. A store employee will deliver your goods to your home! You may be charged a small delivery fee, but it may be well worth the added cost.

Although it may be easier to use a grocery store delivery service or have someone else stop for you, try. By implementing a few of the above mentioned steps, shopping for gifts, groceries, and clothes does not have to be difficult. Just remember to take it slow, rely on available tools, and dont be afraid to ask for help.

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