DEALING WITH LOWER BACK PAIN ON THE ROAD

Lower back pain is a problem for a lot of people. The ACA predicts that at any given moment over 31 million Americans are experiencing lower back pain. Lower back pain is the number one cause of disability and it is the most common reason people miss work.

When you have to sit and drive for 10 hours straight, lower back pain can be the end of a career. This week the Trucking Tribune wants to help prolong your career by providing tips and tricks to alleviate back pain and in some cases, avoid it all together.

GET RID OF THAT BACK PAIN

1. ICE NO WAIT, HEAT. In reality back pain is correctly treated with both. Bring a cooler with you on the road and keep something cold in there. It can be a bag of frozen veggies, an ice pack, and ice rag, etc. The ice can be placed on your back at any given time to dull the pain and reduce swelling. While driving you can use a heat wrap that lasts for hours. The combination of heat and ice provides great relief.

2. STRETCHING TWICE A DAY. Yoga can provide amazing relief for back pain. Let's all be honest with ourselves, most of us do not have time to do yoga while driving across the country. While yoga is not for everyone, try to make an effort to do at least hamstring stretches twice a day. Tight hamstrings add extra pressure to the lower back. See a few easy stretches you should add to your daily activates here.

3. LIGHT EXERCISE. When you are struck with lower back pain the initial response is to do nothing and rest. In many cases that can make it worse. Try slowly walking and jogging each time you stop. This reduces pain and in some cases, completely eliminates the lower back pain. Being over weight also puts more stress on your back, exercise will help you keep your weight in check.

4. STRAIGHTEN UP! It is too easy to slump down while driving long hours. Bad Posture can make your body rest in ways it was never meant to. To prevent back pain, start by straightening up and driving with good posture.

5. GET THE CORRECT TYPE OF REST. Getting sleep is important, but sleeping in the correct position is just as important. Only a doctor can tell you the correct way to sleep for you pain, but almost everyone says sleeping on your stomach is terrible for lower back pain. Research what is the position for you back pain, and see a doctor for a reliable answer.

6. DO NOT SIT ON YOUR WALLET. You do not have to have stacks of 100 dollar bills in your wallet for it to cause back pain. Find a safe place to put your wallet while driving and sitting to eat.

7. QUIT SMOKING. If you are looking for one more reason to quit, here it is. Research constantly shows smokers are more likely to suffer from chronic back pain,

8. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS. Take Ibuprofen or Aleve. These meds can significantly reduce pain and swelling. Always double check to see if they interfere with other meds you are currently using.

If you are suffering from lower back pain, a few lifestyle changes can make all the difference. We would love to hear some other ways you find back pain relief on the road.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE TRUCKERS AND REMEMBER TO KEEP ON ROLLIN'

Financial Carrier Services, Inc.

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