Back pain makes sleeping difficult. Sleep deprivation can worsen back pain, creating a cycle. Poor sleeping position can worsen back pain.
Sleep Better
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Right Grandma! Slouching harms. If you sit a lot, poor posture can worsen back pain. Avoid typing slumps. Upright, relaxed shoulders, body supported against chair back.
Good Posture
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NSAIDs and acetaminophen are common over-the-counter back pain relievers. Some people cannot take both due to side effects.
Medication From the Store
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Pain patients may need NSAIDs or opioids. Do not overdose on active ingredients if you take other medications, including over-the-counter ones. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Prescription Pain Relievers
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Even if you're not depressed, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants for chronic low back pain. It's unclear how antidepressants relieve chronic pain.
Antidepressant Medications
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Your physical therapist can teach you how to sit, stand, and move to reduce back strain. Also taught are back-supporting core muscle strengthening exercises.
Physical Therapy
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Doctors prescribed bed rest for back pain. However, lying still is one of the worst things you can do. It can worsen back pain and cause other issues. Rest only a day or two.
Don't Rest an Achy Back
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Icing painful back areas regularly may reduce injury pain and inflammation. Repeat several times a day for 20 minutes. Protect your skin by wrapping the ice pack in a thin towel.
Ice and Heat
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Does massage relieve back pain afterward? Chronic back pain patients who received one weekly massage for 10 weeks reported better pain and functioning.
Hands-On Therapy
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Treatments that stimulate nerves to reduce chronic back pain are being studied. If conservative treatment doesn't work, your doctor may try acupuncture.