Back pain afflicts a huge number of people. However, there is no single solution that can cure or prevent all back pain because of the sheer number of potential causes of back pain there are. Here are five ways you can help your clients relieve their back pain.
1. Look for More Suitable Mattresses And Pillows
There isn’t one best mattress for back pain. Rather, you should work with your client to determine whether his or her mattress and pillows are suitable for him or her. Some people with back pain have it because their mattresses and pillows are too firm, while others have it because they aren’t getting enough support. You should start with how your client sleeps and what he or she thinks of the current mattress. If the mattress or pillows don’t seem to be the issue, then you can look for other causes and treatments.
2. Make Sure Treatment Is Personalized
No two people will have the same issues with their backs, so you need to make sure treatment is always personalized. Someone who has ankylosing spondylitis, for example, will need to focus on gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, and medical treatments. Someone who has overworked his or her back muscles, on the other hand, will likely benefit from rest, icing those muscles and massage. You need to gather as much information as you can about your client’s back issues and create a treatment plan accordingly.
3. Utilize Prevention Strategies
An important component of relieving back pain is to work on prevention strategies. While you can treat back pain after it manifests, it can be more difficult to ensure it’s cured entirely. You may only be able to lessen it or temporarily relieve it. Prevention strategies include exercises that include spinal flexions, increasing strength and flexibility in your core and legs, ensuring all your exercises are performed safely and avoiding anything that can cause hyperextension.
4. Employ Massage Techniques
Many people turn to massage therapy to relieve their pain, whether that pain is in their backs or elsewhere in their bodies. Massage therapy is meant to help relax muscles and ease tension in the body. It’s most effective when used in tandem with chiropractic care, physical therapy and, if needed, medical treatment. Massage therapists can provide whole body massages or treatments that focus on specific areas of the body or muscle groups. Keep in mind that massage therapy may not be effective alone or in the long term. If your client feels it isn’t working, then you should work with him or her to choose other options.
5. Check for Medical Causes
Above all, you should make sure your client gets any necessary medical care for his or her back problems. While some clients may simply have a minor injury, poor sleeping positions or too much or too little support in their shoes or mattresses, others may have more serious injuries or chronic conditions affecting their backs. These more serious issues need more targeted medical care. Check if your client already has a diagnosis such as a tumor, autoimmune condition or spondylosis. If he or she doesn’t but you still suspect a serious issue, work with a doctor to get your client examined for such conditions as fractures and herniated disks.
It’s important to determine whether there is a deeper cause for back pain than a simple pulled muscle or unsuitable mattress. If a client has arthritis in his or her spine, for example, massage techniques can relieve pain temporarily, but medical treatment may be needed to prevent arthritis from progressing and causing the pain to worsen. The best way to relieve pain is often a combination of medical treatment and other techniques and treatments.
