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My Journey with Back Pain

If there is one thing I know about, it’s how to find relief from back pain. In my twenties, I suffered from intense low back pain as a result of different traumas that I endured.  It was a long road before I found something that helped me recover. After visiting a variety of doctors, I was told that I needed to just live with the pain and that they couldn’t really help me. This was so depressing and frustrating.

The doctors told me that I was just depressed and the pain would be relieved with a combination of medications.  I stopped exercising and going out and was not able to enjoy life.  At one point, I had to take a leave of absence from my job because it was just too painful to sit all day at my desk. This was back when I was still working in Human Resources.

Chronic pain had taken over my life and it was making me so sad that I was missing out on living a fun and active life.  It took about 8 years before I started to find real relief.

The Turning Point

Living with chronic pain affected my relationships and my job. After trying many different therapies, medications, and a variety of doctors, I became desperate to find answers. Then one day my grandmother suggested that I visit a chiropractor. I did not know anything about this modality so I was a little hesitant at first. I had just moved to Connecticut and the chiropractor was located in New Jersey.

So I packed a bag and headed to NJ to see this chiropractor.  During my first visit, he took some specific x-rays of my low back and pelvis.  Turns out my pelvis was severely rotated and causing intense muscle spasms in my low back. Within a couple of weeks of getting adjusted, I actually started to feel a little better. I was so happy that I had finally found some relief.

After returning back to Connecticut, I continued my care with a local chiropractor. I had no idea how much my life would change. There were plenty of ups and downs but it was definitely a turning point in recovering from the back pain. My experience with pain helped shape my life as it is today.

While visiting this new chiropractor, I was introduced to a Massage Therapist who helped me tremendously.  This was how I discovered bodywork. After a couple of years passed, I decided to go to school for massage therapy to help other people in pain.  Although it was a difficult time, I discovered many blessings along the way and am grateful to have come out on the other side. Through my struggles with back pain, I ended up finding my passion in life!

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How to Recover From Back Pain

Apply Ice and Heat Packs

During the first 24 to 48 hours of an injury, it is recommended to use ice. After that, heat is recommended. I like the gel heat packs more than the dry heating pad.  It is also beneficial to alternate ice and heat when it becomes more of a chronic issue.

Get in a Comfortable Position

When sleeping, put a pillow under your knees while lying on your back and then in between your knees when you are on your side. In addition, using pillows while sitting is also helpful to relieve pressure off your back.

Take an Anti-Inflammatory Medication or Pain Relief Supplement

Taking medications is ok in the short term and may just help you get over the hump. I suggest using more natural supplements for long-term use. Magnesium is the natural muscle relaxer mineral.  Check with your doctor to see what would work best for you.

Topical Pain Relief

24/7 Relief & Recovery is my go-to and the best pain relief cream I have ever used personally and professionally. Using this cream a few times per day will reduce inflammation and provide quick and natural pain relief.  My clients love this cream!

Take a Hot Epsom Salt Bath

There is nothing better than soaking in a hot bath with soothing Epsom salts to provide some muscle relaxation.

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Use a Massage Pillow

Move Around and Don’t Sit or Lay Down for Too Long

Gentle Stretching or Foam Rolling

Deep Breathing Exercises

Take a Break from Intense Exercise and Try Going for a Walk

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Visit a Doctor

Look for an orthopedic or pain management doctor. Naturopaths and Functional Medicine practitioners are also very helpful when it comes to reducing inflammation in your body.

See a Physical Therapist

Find a Massage Therapist – specializing in orthopedic, medical, or myofascial therapy

Visit a Chiropractor

Discover Acupuncture for pain relief

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Distract Your Brain

Meditation is proven to relax the nervous system which in turn will reduce your response to pain. In addition, listening to soothing music and sounds also helps to distract your thoughts.

Work on a Positive Mindset

It is not easy to stay positive while in pain. However, having positive thoughts will help in battling chronic pain. Check out this Positive Mindset Workbook!

Seek out a Supportive Community

Finding like-minded people who understand struggling with pain is helpful. It is always nice to talk with people who know what you are going through and get it. Join us in the Simple Self-Care & Stress Solutions Facebook group and belong to a caring and welcoming community!

Say Healthy Affirmations & Prayers

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Philippians 4:8 “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Stay away from processed and sugary foods and drinks. These cause inflammation and will limit your ability to heal. Eating whole healthy foods will help in the healing process. Check out these Healthy Eating Tips.

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Back Pain Relief Options

There are plenty of options when it comes to relieving back pain. In my experience, it is best to try more than one treatment to find the most relief.  However, trying one thing at a time to see what works and what doesn’t is smart.  If you continue to have no relief it is best to be checked out by a healthcare professional. There are options to get x-rays and other imaging tests to confirm if there is something more serious going on.

Take care of yourself and find what works for you. Don’t give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you just have to live with pain. There is an answer for you out there! Be an advocate for yourself.

Check out these posts about Healing and Self-Care.

How to Help Yourself Heal

Master Your Self-Care Routine in 8 Simple Steps

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xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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