Is your sports injury hurting your back in ways you cannot explain?
Are you unable to return to your routine life post your injury?
Back pain can be chronic and difficult to manage. It can prolong for three months or longer if left untreated and may come and go in intervals. However, it is extremely essential to understand if the back pain is related to the injury or it is a separate issue altogether.
Why Does Chronic Back Pain Occur?
Chronic back pain has a lasting impact and may even last upto 12 weeks. Several factors such as strained muscle, problems in the disc, or irritation in nerves. It is extremely important to know the root cause of your pain through proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Does One Deal with Chronic Back Pain Post Sports Injury?
If you’re struggling with back aches after your sports injury, you’re not alone. Several athletes and active individuals face chronic back pain in their lives. With the right steps, you could completely manage it and lead a healthy lifestyle. To return to normalcy, building a holistic approach is extremely essential. Since getting rid of back ache does not occur overnight, taking small steps everyday could address both the physical and mental aspects of the back ache. It may eventually even help you gain your optimal strength back.
Focusing on these 5 aspects can help you return to your new normal.
1. Find a Doctor: No online guide can tell you how to feel better immediately despite their quick fixes and instant solutions. It is important that you see an orthopedic doctor and a specialist so you know where the pain is to make it go away. After visiting a specialist, you may understand the underlying cause of your back pain and discuss ways to find a personalized solution and treatment plan for you. This may include medications, physical therapy and even alternative therapies.
2. Pain Management: The next step is to follow the doctor’s advice. Chances are, you might be recommended NSAIDs, muscle relaxants or oral steroids to soothe the pain. Your doctor may even suggest relying on hot and cold therapy and emphasize on getting plenty of rest. You may also engage in techniques for relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
3. Physical Therapy: Going forward, you may work with a physical therapist to navigate a personalized exercise plan. They may recommend you to focus on strengthening your muscles including core, back and glutes. You may also include exercises such as stretching and those enhancing mobility so your range of motion and flexibility return to normal.
4. Modifying your Lifestyle: Make sure that you maintain a healthy weight as excess weight can add to your back pain. Practice improving your posture so you avoid the strain on your back. You may also limit lifting heavy objects unless extremely necessary and stay hydrated at all times so you keep your discs and spine healthy. Moreover, you may make ergonomic back pain adjustments in your house to support your back and maintain good posture especially when you’re working.
5. Seek Alternate Therapies: You may consider alternate therapies such as chiropractic treatments which assist you in aligning your spine and reduce your pain levels. You may also seek acupuncture relief to reduce pain and increase healing. Massage therapy is a good alternative as well, as it allows you to decrease tension in your muscles and experience relaxation.
Dealing with ongoing back pain due to a sports injury can be a tough experience, however it’s not an impasse. By adopting a proactive mindset, understanding your body, and getting expert advice, you can get through this journey and discover a rewarding life beyond the discomfort. It is important to note that the pain is all about discovering your new normal, adjusting to your restrictions, and welcoming a healthier and stronger future.