After you get into an accident, there are many thoughts going through your mind: from calling your insurance to understanding your injuries, it can be an incredibly stressful time in anyone’s life. Aside from legalities like getting in touch with a national personal injury law firm that you trust, make sure that you take care of yourself as well. See a doctor and take care of yourself, so you can get your back on track.
Apply Ice and Heat
Especially if you experience swelling, you can use heating pads and cold packs for your most tender parts after a back injury. After 48 hours of ice, switch to heat. Most doctors say that it is difficult to say whether heat or cold is better for a back injury; simply put, it is up to you and your individual injury to see what is most comfortable and relieving for you.
Limited Bed Rest
In the individuals with short-term lower back pain, those who remain active have less pain and easier time with everyday tasks. Avoid more than a few days of bed rest, as it is important that you get moving as soon as possible. While you need to listen to your body and not hurt yourself, even the lightest exercises will keep your back from becoming too tense.
When you are resting in bed, there are a few positions that will ensure that you get the sleep that you need. Lie on your back with your knees bent, supported by large pillows; or, lie on the floor with your legs on a chair or your sofa. You can also lie on your stomach as long as it does not increase any pain you’re feeling.
Keep Moving
When you’ve had a back injury, you will need initial bed rest. However, you need to keep moving to help your back heal properly. Engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as short walks, but avoid hills and stairs. Pelvic tilt exercises for back pain gently move the spine and stretch the lower back, reducing pain.
Flexibility is Key
After you’ve had a back injury, limiting rest is much more than jumping back into cardio. However, it is important for you not only to keep moving, but to include exercise that increases your body’s flexibility. If you rest too much, you will increase the tension and tightness in your back and consequently increase your pain.
To increase flexibility, take up yoga, or do simple exercises that stretch your legs while keeping your back straight and neutral. Many get a regular back massage to help ease the pain, and others trust acupuncture to relieve nerve and muscle pain.
Keep Your Head Up
Whether you struggle physically or financially after an accident that causes a back injury, you want to continue to stand up straight – literally. Maintaining good posture eliminates unnecessary strain on your back and will ultimately lessen your back pain over time. Standing up straight at your desk, at the sink or while cooking are all little actions, but they really do add up.
From light exercise to focusing more on sitting up straight, take every step of your healing process carefully and be patient with yourself. Back pain can be chronic, and while you may not always be able to avoid it, with a commitment to your health, back pain won’t control your life after your accident.
