How to Relieve Back Pain as You Age

Back pain is a common ailment among people of all ages. However, it can be especially problematic for adults who are aging. With aging comes the natural decline in mobility and flexibility and a reduced range of motion due to inevitable arthritis, weight gain, and other physical changes, the risk of developing chronic lower back pain increases.

With aging comes a reduction in muscle mass, flexibility, and strength. All of these factors put added stress on your back. As you get older, your bones also lose density and become more porous, which makes them weaker and more susceptible to fracture from sudden movements or heavy lifting, as well as general wear-and-tear from everyday activities like bending or twisting. In addition, weaker bones make it harder to recover from falls or other traumatic events such as falls. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to relieve back pain as you age.

Exercise Regularly

One of the best ways to reduce back pain is to stay active. This will help strengthen your back muscles and improve posture and circulation. When you exercise, you produce endorphins, which ease the pain. Exercise can also help reduce stress, which can also trigger back pain.

You should consult a doctor before starting an exercise program if you’re a senior. They will be able to tell you if you’re healthy enough for exercise. Senior Centers often have workouts that are specially designed for older adults. That way, you can get exercise benefits without putting additional strain on your body.

Use Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat and cold are both excellent ways to relieve back pain. However, you don’t want to use both at the same time. That can cause more harm than good.

When using a heating pad, make sure you choose a safe option. For best results, use a heating pad that runs on electricity. It will create a safe temperature that will soothe your back pain. Cold packs are great for relieving inflammation.

If your back pain is caused by swelling, a cold pack can help reduce that inflammation. When you use heat or cold packs, you want to ensure you use them for the correct amount of time.

Try a Massage Therapy Session

There is nothing better than a relaxing massage session to ease back pain. Make sure you visit a licensed massage therapist, though. A licensed massage therapist has finished a rigorous training program. They can help you pinpoint the problem areas and ease your pain.

When you visit a massage therapist, you want to ensure you’re paying attention to their pressure. If it’s too light, it’s not doing you any good. If it’s too intense, it can cause more pain. Keep in mind that massage therapy isn’t a cure-all. You still need to follow up with other pain-relief methods.

Pay Attention to Your Posture

Your posture is everything when it comes to back pain. If you slouch while standing or sitting, you can strain your back muscles and create a misalignment in the spine. This can lead to back pain. To avoid bad posture and back aches, remember to stand up straight. Some people use a posture brace to remind themselves to sit or stand up straight.

Visit an Orthopedic Doctor For Help

If you are still experiencing back pain with no relief, it is time to see an orthopedic doctor for help. You may need surgery or other more intensive measures to fix the cause of your back pain.

You don’t need to live with back pain. There are many ways to reduce pain and discomfort, with surgery being one option. Contact Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery at (855) 853-6542 or fill out our online form.