Manage Your Stress To Help Decrease Your Back Pain
Posted on: 3 November 2015
Back pain can develop for a long list of reasons, but if you find that you're frequently stressed, it's possible that your discomfort may have developed or worsened because of this psychological issue. Stress and back pain are linked in a number of ways; stress can tighten your muscles to pull your spine into an unnatural position and you might also make postural changes that affect your spine. Seeing a chiropractor is an effective way to deal with the physical reasons for your back pain, but it's important to tackle your stress level, too. Here are three ways you can often reduce your stress, which can be beneficial in your effort to reduce back pain.
Make Time For Exercise
It's easy to become more sedentary when you're stressed, but keeping active is one of the best things that you can do to lower your stress level and, in turn, reduce your back pain. The exercises you choose to perform don't matter as much as the fact that you're exercising in the first place. Exercises such as bicycle riding, jogging, swimming and walking release endorphins to promote a sense of euphoria and also have a repetitive nature that can help to take your mind off what's bothering you. By the end of your workout, it's common to find that you're no longer as stressed as you previously were -- and that your back isn't bothering you as much.
Introduce Yourself To Meditation
Meditation can take many forms, from joining a meditation group at your local yoga studio to listening to a guided meditation online. Many people, through experience, are able to shift into a meditation-like state during small breaks in everyday life. The common bond between all these approaches is that meditation is an effective way to lower your stress. By regular exposure to this beneficial practice, you can begin to experience a decrease in your overall stress level and, oftentimes, a decline in the degree of your back pain.
Improve Your Diet
What you eat can worsen your stress, which can lead to further back pain. It's easy to craft a stress-reducing diet that can eventually help you feel better emotionally and physically. Cut out stress-aggravating foods such as coffee, alcohol and high-sugar products and replace them with plenty of water, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Chamomile herbal tea is known for its stress-reducing qualities, making it ideal to sip during the workday or in the evening before bed.
For more information, contact a professional like those at Calgary Chiropractics.
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