What Caregivers Can Do to Fight Back Pain

Caregiver Salisbury NC

When you are a family caregiver, one thing that can get in the way of your caregiving responsibilities is back pain. If you commonly help your loved one move from place to place, carry bags of groceries, do heavy cleaning, and spend a lot of time on your feet, you may find that back pain is becoming a part of your everyday life. Pain and discomfort that is chronic can lead to depression, sadness, irritability, and even anger, so it is a great idea to get your back pain in check. Fortunately, there are many ways to remedy back pain simply by changing your habits and paying attention to your overall health. Read on for some tips on eliminating back pain so that you can have better days and be a better caregiver.

Manage Depression
If you believe that you are experiencing depression, it could be contributing to your back pain. While the connection between depression and back pain isn’t fully understood, it is known that those who are struggling with depression are more likely to experience back pain. In addition, depression could be preventing you from engaging in exercise, an activity that is known to prevent back pain. If you suspect that depression is leading to your back pain, it is a great idea to talk to a doctor or therapist about ways you can cope.

Try Exercising
When you exercise and strengthen the muscles all over your body, you will be decreasing the pressure that is put on your back. Try doing strengthening exercises that specifically target the back and help to make it stronger. Exercising can also help you to lose excess weight, which is another thing that contributes to back pain.

Avoid Hunching Over Your Phone
Smartphones are beginning to be a part of our everyday lives. While they help caregivers out in many ways, they can also contribute to back pain. When reading on a phone, sending a text, or checking email, our tendency is to hunch over to look down at the screen. Unfortunately, this puts a lot of pressure on the back and can contribute to back pain. Instead, try holding the phone out in front of you so that you do not have to look down to read it. Using headphones or speakerphone features can help make this a bit easier.

Source: http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2016/lower-back-pain-depression-insomnia.html?intcmp=Outbrain&obref=obinsite#slide1

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Salisbury NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.