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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle


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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eight years ago, and I was told that I would likely struggle with flare-ups for the rest of my life. I heard stories of other sufferers who had to eventually have their colons removed, and I became determined to not become part of this statistic. I was prescribed a daily medication that helps manage my condition, and although I don't like taking pills, I realize I need it to keep my colon healthy. I still experienced flares, so I began an elimination diet recommended by my doctor and found my "trigger" foods. I have now been flare-free for two years! I created this blog to help remind others with IBD that there is hope. You can end the constant struggle if you work with your doctor to try different methods of controlling your disease.

Effective Solutions To Combat Back Pain

Have you ever had serious pain in your back? The odds are pretty good that you have; about eight out of ten people have experienced lower back pain at some point in their lives. Lower back pain can have a number of different causes, including muscle strains, sciatica, and joint disease, and it can also respond to a number of different treatments. Here are just a few treatments that you can try if you are suffering from back pain. While not every treatment may work for each individual case, at least one of these treatments will hopefully help relieve your pain.

1. Exercise Often

You might think that the best way to treat back pain is to lie in bed and wait it out. However, exercise is the far more effective treatment for most types of back pain. Exercise keeps your spinal structures working correctly, reducing swelling and irritation in the back. If your back pain is severe, consider setting up an appointment with a physical therapist. They will be able to evaluate your specific type of back pain and teach you the best exercises to relieve your pain.

2. Replace Your Mattress

Have you been putting off getting a new mattress even though your current one is getting pretty old? You might be hurting your back. You spend about a third of your life lying on your mattress, so it is extremely important that you pick one that gives you proper back support. The right mattress can make a huge difference in combating back pain.

3. Practice Your Posture

Are you constantly slouching? A lack of proper posture can greatly contribute to back pain. By not standing up straight, you are straining your muscles and tiring them out. If you work on learning to stand up properly, you might notice your back pain begin to decrease.

4. Get a Massage

A great masseuse knows just the muscles to work on to help relieve your back pain. By going for massages regularly, you can both lower your back pain and have a relaxing outlet that can improve your life. You can click for more info here about massage options in your area. 

5. Lose Weight

Losing weight isn't easy, but it is a viable solution for people suffering from back pain. Think about it- don't you get more back pain when you have to carry heavier objects? When you are overweight, your body has to constantly carry more pounds of fat than it would if you were at a healthy weight. You should already be exercising to help relieve back pain, so adding a healthy diet plan to your routine can cause the pounds to fall off quickly.

6. Use Heat and Ice Packs

Heat and ice can both be helpful during episodes of back pain. Ice is especially good for reducing swelling, and heat can be very relaxing when used against your back. If you don't have any ice packs or heat pads, don't fret! You can make them at home using common household ingredients! For an ice pack, you can simply fill a plastic bag with water and freeze it. Make sure you wrap it in cloth or a paper towel before applying it to your back. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables for a quick solution.

To make your own heat pad, simply take a sock and fill it with rice, oats, or seeds. Then, tie it shut and put it into the microwave for two minutes. Take it out and apply it to your back for soothing relief!

7. Use Pain Medication

While many people try to avoid using prescription medication as much as possible, it is sometimes necessary when no other treatment plans are working. There are plenty of non-addictive pain medications that can work wonders on back pain. Muscle relaxers can also be helpful to combat back pain caused by tightened muscles. Consult with your doctor about what kind of medication would be best for your specific type of pain.