In the quiet hum of an office or the hushed tones of a classroom, there exists a silent epidemic, a problem that plagues millions and is often accepted as a normal part of our daily lives.
It means you can’t concentrate, have to rely on pills to mask the pain, and are unable to enjoy sitting down for a family meal or watching your favorite sports teams.
We’re talking about chronic back pain – a relentless torment that haunts those who sit for hours on end, day after day, week after week.
If You Get Back Pain When Sitting, Get Up Every 30 Minutes
As the world turns digital, many of us find ourselves shackled to desks and chairs for extended periods.
The longer we sit, the weaker our back muscles become, leaving us vulnerable to the relentless grip of chronic back pain when sitting.
When seated, our back muscles relax, allowing them to wither away from inactivity.
It’s a cruel irony; the chair that’s meant to ease our comfort becomes the cause of our suffering.
The gluteal muscles and hips, too, fall victim to this sedentary lifestyle.
They waste away.
Gradually becoming weaker.
The consequences of this inactivity extend far beyond the office chair and impact other areas of our lives such as our ability to exercise, sleep well, and do simple things like walk and carry groceries from the car.
But there’s hope.
The solution is simple, yet often overlooked – break the habit of prolonged sitting.
Rise from your chair, shake off the numbness, and take a walk, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Try to avoid being in the same position for longer than 30 minutes at a time if you frequently have a bad back when sitting.
If you’re lucky enough to control your environment, you could also consider standing or walking desks – although we appreciate this isn’t particularly practical for many office workers, and certainly not students in classrooms.
Ice or Heat For Back Pain – Which Is Your Ally?
Imagine a life where every movement feels uncomfortable, and where each bend and stretch elicits agony.
This is the reality of chronic back pain – maybe it’s what you’re going through right now.
Ice and heat can be your allies in this battle and allow you to ease the pain without relying on painkillers which have the risk of addiction, and nasty side effects.
But choosing the right one is crucial, and it varies from person to person.
Heat can be your soothing companion when your back feels stiff.
It helps to loosen things up, offering a gentle respite from the tension.
On the other hand, if your back is inflamed and “mad” after a recent strain, then ice might be your savior.
Remember, the research shows that ice and heat are not miracle cures, but they can significantly reduce your pain while you take other steps to address the root cause.
The good news is, that you don’t need fancy equipment – a rice bag heated in the microwave or a makeshift ice pack can do the job.
But here’s a vital note of caution: never exceed 30 minutes with ice or heat.
It’s a delicate balance between relief and harm, and overindulgence can lead to burns or frostbite on your skin.
And whatever you do, don’t fall asleep with them, as it’s a recipe for skin injury.
Get Long-Term Relief From Chronic Back Pain
If you find yourself trapped in a relentless cycle of back pain for more than two weeks, if it keeps returning, or if it’s worsening day by day, it’s time to seek the expert’s touch.
You’ve probably tried stretching, ice, or heat, and slowed down to avoid agitating your bad back.
And it’s not worked.
And while some have sought help from family doctors, pain management specialists, or even surgeons, their agony persists.
This is not uncommon.
Not all healthcare professionals are equal when it comes to treating spine-related issues.
Consider the expertise of a specialized physical therapist who has devoted their practice to understanding and alleviating back pain.
General physical therapy, though valuable, may not be as effective in addressing the intricate challenges posed by the spine.
Chronic back pain is a formidable foe, but it’s not invincible.
There is hope, there are solutions, and there is help without resorting to masking the problem with pills, injections, and surgery.
Don’t let your life be a continuous battle with pain.
Rise from your chair, seek the warmth or the chill of relief, and, if needed, reach out to a back pain expert who understands the intricate dance of the spine.
Discover 6 Dangerous Myths That Could Be Causing Your Back Pain
Sitting could be the cause of your back pain.
But there could be other things you are doing that lead to more stiffness, tightness, and discomfort.
Download our free report, and make sure you aren’t falling victim to 6 of the most damaging myths about back pain
Download Your Free Back Pain Myths Report
Speak To A Back Pain Expert For Free
At our Lehi and St George physical therapy clinics, our team are experts are treating the spine and chronic back pain.
And to help you get personalized advice on beating your back pain, and learning about the safe, proven, and natural treatment for a bad back, you’re invited to book a FREE Back Pain Consultation.
This gives you 1-1 time with a leading expert in treating back pain and means you can fix your back without scary steps like surgery, regular injections, or a lifetime of pain medication.
Arrange Your Free Back Pain Consultation
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