Advice from a Back Pain Dr In New Jersey

1. Stay active

Compared to mechanical back pain, which can get worse with movement, inflammatory back pain usually gets better with exercise – but only with the correct type of exercise. Your back pain doctor will likely advise you to consult a physical therapist who will recommend exercises and stretches to help reduce discomfort and increase strength in your back muscles. Light stretching can also be beneficial.

While you should stay active and do muscle strengthening and stretching activities to keep your spine in excellent shape, you should stay away from high-impact workouts that might injure your spine and cause even more discomfort. This is why the recommendations of a physical therapist are extremely important, as they know which routines will provide the best results for your condition.

2. Breathing exercises can help

Your physician or the physical therapist you are referred to may also prescribe breathing exercises. Simple breathing techniques generally include repetitive deep inhaling and exhaling to increase lung capacity while also reducing inflammation in the rib joints – the ones that link the ribs to the spine.

If your IBP advances to ankylosing spondylitis, which can happen sometimes, your rib joints may be affected. This may hinder your rib cage’s capacity to rise and fall when you breathe, making it harder for your lungs to function correctly, especially during severe exercise.

3. Avoid heavy lifting

While being active helps reduce inflammatory pain, heavy lifting does not do your condition any good. Patients with IBP are often recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, moving furniture around, or perform weightlifting exercises.

If, however, you absolutely must lift a heavy item, at least make sure you do it right and put as little pressure as possible on your spine. The most important thing is that your spine remains straight, and you lift with your legs instead of your back. Bend your knees, keep your shoulders straight, grab the objects with both hands and sand up, lifting the object by using the muscles in your legs.

4. Avoid driving long distances

Driving will not aggravate your IBP by itself. Yet, your condition may increase the chances of severe injuries, such as spinal fractures, if you are ever in an accident.

Patients are recommended to drive cautiously and to avoid making sudden neck or spine movements. Any collision, no matter how minor or severe, might result in more discomfort, such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or leg pain.

Accidents can occur, but if you have inflammatory back pain, there are measures you can take to prevent them. For instance, avoid driving for lengthy periods of time or across long distances without stopping, as it can also cause soreness and tightness. Also, park and rest if you begin to feel weary behind the wheel. This will not only help your back but prevent potential accidents due to tiredness as well.

5. Consider changing your mattress

While a decent mattress won’t heal your IBP, it can help you keep proper alignment while you rest. The majority of doctors advise sleeping on a firm mattress that is neither too hard nor too soft.

Some doctors also recommend that patients with inflammatory back pain try to rest on their stomach every night to help keep their posture in check. Getting adequate sleep might also improve your overall mood, as multiple studies have connected poor sleep to persistent low-back pain over the years.

6. Adjust your workspace

If you have inflammatory back pain and are working in an office, look for techniques to better your posture at work. Consider utilizing a standing desk, requesting an ergonomic chair from your company, or doing both. Instead of committing to one working style, you might find it more beneficial to switch between standing and sitting to alleviate pain.

It can also help to position your computer screen and keyboard so that you aren’t bent over or required to reach over your desk to get stuff.

Additionally, if you spend a lot of time at your office desk, you should get up and walk around regularly to stretch and stay flexible. Sitting for lengthy periods of time should be avoided – preferably no more than 50 minutes.

To prevent IBP from developing into something more serious is it highly recommended that you visit a back pain dr in New Jersey right away to discuss your medical history and find the right type of treatment.

If you are looking for medical advice and minimally invasive treatment options, our pain doctors are here to meet your needs! Book an appointment in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall, in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership, in West Orange, near the Essex Country Club, and in Woodland Park clinic, on McBride Avenue, right next to Woodland Park Dialysis Center. We are available for phone general inquiries as well, so don’t hesitate to contact us!