As a US soldier, we go through rigorous training, but today I want to share with you four easy workouts you can do when you suffer from back pain. As an army medic, I would carry around gear weighing as much as 80 pounds. Granted, to say that it doesn’t really do well for our backs. I started noticing that my back would hurt more and more, and a trip to my PA diagnosed me with lower back pain. For me, there were days where all I could do was lie in bed because it hurt too much to get up.
My PA recommended quite a few ways to help. I did dry needling, I saw a chiropractor, did physical therapy, and it was at one of my sessions that my therapist recommended Biofreeze® Pain Reliever. At the time you could only get it via prescription through a healthcare professional, and she stated that while it does not take your pain away, it helps to alleviate it. I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything. Since then, I have been using Biofreeze® and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone suffering with back pain. Fast-forward to today, Biofreeze® can now be found over the counter with the same prescription strength that I received over 5 years ago.
Besides being an American soldier, I was also a mother and when you have children, you can’t lay in bed all day, no matter how tempting it may be. I had to push my pain to the side, I had to get up and play, I had to get up and prepare meals. I had to get up and do what mothers do on a daily basis. Without the help of Biofreeze® I’m not so sure I would have been able to do so.
While I still suffer from back pain and will always suffer from back pain, I have noticed that I feel better after I do a workout. There are benefits of working out even when you suffer from back pain and it is highly recommended. Biofreeze® helps relieve the pain that you feel after a workout and one thing you can feel safe knowing is that they do not contain any narcotics or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or anything that is addictive. They are also never tested on animals and are produced right here in the USA.
They are available in a Pain Relief Gel, Roll-On and 360 Spray, which is my favorite. On days when I just can’t do the spray, I would have Madison, my 5yr old; rub the pain relief roll-on onto my back. She enjoys it and I enjoy the pain relief. The cool menthol feeling just alleviates the pain and feels as cool as ice, but it’s much better than having ice because I no longer have to keep an ice pack on my back for any length of time. I just love the convenience of Biofreeze® and how easy it is to apply.
Today, however, with some tips from my therapist, let’s get into those 4 easy workouts.
- Yoga – Yoga was greatly recommended by my therapist. You don’t have to join a yoga group; you can purchase a yoga beginner DVD and do it in the comfort of your home. Yoga strengthens the muscles in the back and can greatly reduce your back pain.
- Biking – Whether it’s stationary biking or regular biking, the workout will do you well. Aerobic exercises on a whole are great for back pain sufferers and may actually help to reduce your back pain. Be sure to keep your back as straight as you possibly can and do not slouch.
- Walking – One of the simplest of exercises and can be done anywhere at almost any time in any season. Instead of driving to the store, which is a mile away, take the opportunity to walk. Take your dogs for a walk, and instead of a casual stroll, make it a brisk walk.
- Swimming – For those who suffer with back pain, swimming is a great form of exercise since the water supports your body. However, avoid strokes that cause your body to twist.
As with all exercises, talk you your doctor before starting an exercise plan and start slow with short sessions. Take your time and take a break if you start feeling pain, and keep your Biofreeze® on hand.
How do you alleviate your back pain?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
