Valentine’s Day…. a day to show your loved ones just how much you care. And, today’s the perfect day to show your back a little TLC too, especially if you’re one of the 80% of Americans that suffer with back pain. While flowers and candy won’t do, here are a few ways to show your back you care.

1. Get Some Rest

Pain and insomnia go hand in hand. Pain will keep you awake, which will keep your body from getting the kind of restorative rest you need. The next day, that pain will be intensified, then you’ll have trouble resting at the end of the day. A majority of people with back pain report sleep issues. Whether you need to get more exercise, take medication, or do some meditation before bed, find a way to get enough sleep. Tackling the problem of sleep could spare you a lot of pain and discomfort.

2. Get Some Exercise

Your ab muscles are what supports the lower part of your spine. Powerful ab workouts will help your back stay strong. If needed, target your abs during your workouts. Adding about 20 minutes of ab workouts will improve your core and give your back the support you need. If you have trouble finding the extra time in your workout, try sitting on an exercise ball for 30 minutes or more daily. Your core will be stimulated and you’ll build those essential muscles.

3. Soothe Any Inflammation

Use an alternating treatment of hot and cold packs on your back. Cold slows down any inflammation that makes your back pain worse. It’s also a low-grade anesthetic. Cold packs will slow down your nerve impulses, which through spasms will cause severe pain. Heat can be applied through a number of different ways. A hot bath could be enough to stimulate blood flow to help heal your ailing back. Otherwise, regular applications of heating packs are a good way to interrupt the pain.

Eating a healthy diet can also fight inflammation which can cause pain as well as prevent healing. Research shows that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help promote recovery.

4. Hamstring Exercises Work

If your hamstrings are tight, you could suffer back pain. The muscles at the back of your thighs are connected to joints that connect to your back. Stretching carefully and slowly twice a day is highly recommended for anyone suffering back pain. Find a way to work those stretches into your routine. Otherwise, they can be a great part of your waking up ritual and your checklist before bed.

A few good habits can lead to better back health without medications.

5. See a Chiropractor 

If you suffer from chronic back pain, show your back some love and visit a chiropractor. Our DRS Protocol® has helped thousands of patients get relief from back pain conditions without drugs or surgery.

You only have one back, take care of it! 

Happy ValenSpine’s Day!