Pain in your back can be really distracting and can take away your ability to focus or even just relax. That is why it is important to get your back pain treated by a professional chiropractor and to know some strategies that will help you deal with your back pain at home in between treatments.

Way #1: Increase Your Endorphin Levels

Your endorphins are hormones that your body naturally releases. Many people refer to endorphins as happy hormones because when they are released, they help to reduce stress and anxiety in your body, and they can also help to reduce the pain signals that are being sent to your brain.

There are lots of ways to increase your endorphin level. For example, you can engage in some aerobic exercise, enjoy some massage therapy, or even meditate in order to release endorphins. Most forms of exercise will help release endorphins. It is important to move around a little bit each day in order to keep your body from getting stiff and to keep your body feeling happy. Releasing endorphins will help your body feel better and will reduce your feelings of back pain.

Way #2: Get Good Sleep

Second, you can help your lower back feel better by getting some good sleep, also known as restorative sleep. Restorative sleep is when you fall asleep and stay asleep. Falling asleep and staying asleep will happen more naturally if you go to bed at the same time every night and establish a routine that helps you relax before you go to sleep, such as turning off your television and phone and reading a book to help you fall asleep.

You will also get better sleep if you have a good sleep environment. Invest in sheets that are comfortable for you. Purchase a pillow that supports your style of sleeping. Buy blackout curtains to create a dark space to fall asleep in. Getting good quality sleep will help reduce your back pain.

Way #3: Use Heat or Ice Therapy

Both heat and ice therapy can be useful at treating back pain. Ice or cold therapy helps reduce inflammation in your back. You can use a bag of ice, a cold gel pack, or even a bag of frozen food as your cold therapy tool. Be sure to wrap up whatever you use with a towel; don't place something cold directly on your skin.

For heat therapy, you can use a heating pad or wrap, or you can take a hot shower or bath. Heat can help improve your blood flow and help your body relax, which will decrease your pain.

Increasing your endorphin levels, getting a good night's sleep, and using heat or ice therapy are three tools you can use together with regular visits to your chiropractor to help combat your back pain. 

For more information, reach out to a service like Eric Schmetterling DC.

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