Neck and back pain can severely hinder the way we live our daily lives. It can be hard to enjoy your day when something as simple as sitting in the wrong chair can cause you…
There’s nothing worse than being in constant pain, especially when it comes to your back. This kind of discomfort, especially, can keep you up all night and prevent you from living a normal life. Chronic back pain can even cause mood swings and other mental health complications. Living with this condition does not have to be a life sentence, however. There are steps you can take to lessen your back pain from the comfort of your own home.
If you or someone you love suffers from chronic back pain, did you know that a simple tennis ball can help relieve tension and discomfort from the neck, shoulders, back, and spine?
Tips for Reducing Tension with a Tennis Ball
Although it may seem a little silly at first, using a standard tennis ball is a great way to minimize back and neck pain. After periods of overuse and exertion, muscles can get tight and knotted, which results in tension and discomfort. Using a tennis ball targets pressure into areas where the pain is most intense, providing temporary relief.
Not only are they an easy solution to pain management, but tennis balls are also relatively inexpensive as a form of at-home therapy. Many brands are available online for less than $3. After you have purchased the tennis ball, there are a variety of different ways that you can utilize it to relieve pain without leaving the house.
Method 1: Using Two Tennis Balls
Place two tennis balls next to each other on the floor or a yoga mat. You may tape them together using duct tape to form an “8” shape or allow them to rest freely on the ground. Lying face-up, rest your back against the tennis balls, and move slowly until they are pressing against the affected area.
Method 2: Back to Wall
Press a tennis ball against a wall with your back. Move gently until the tennis ball is against the painful area. Be careful not to press the tennis ball too deeply into the muscle or you can create additional discomfort.
Method 3: Sit on a Tennis Ball
Sitting in a chair, move a tennis ball underneath your bottom and allow it to press against your gluteal muscles. This can help relieve tension related to sciatica pain that often radiates from the lower back.
Method 4: Seated Back to Wall
From a seated position, place the tennis ball behind you and lean into it with your lower back keeping the ball in place. You may move the ball around in a gentle massaging motion or keep it at a fixed point to centralize the impact of the pressure.
If you find that a tennis ball does not provide enough pressure or relief for your muscle pain, you can also incorporate a lacrosse ball into your routine. Lacrosse balls are smaller and allow you to focus the pressure onto a specific area more than a lightweight tennis ball.
Find Permanent Relief with Orthopedic and Laser Spine Surgery
Using a tennis ball to reduce tension and pain in your back, neck, and shoulders is a great way to get temporary relief at home. However, if your discomfort persists and you find yourself experiencing chronic pain, it might be time to speak with a specialist at Orthopedic and Laser Spine Surgery.
Healthcare treatments should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. The renowned team at OLSS is trained in working closely with patients to tailor their healthcare experience to their needs and find a method of treatment that works best for them.
Don’t go another day living with chronic back pain. When you’re ready to begin your road to recovery, give us a call at (855) 853-6542 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation today.