Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain, or low back pain with sciatica. It is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. Common back pain causes include nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis.
 
Back pain can range from a dull constant ache, to a sudden sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

At Rejuvenate Wellness Center we offer customized solutions to treat your back pain. Below are some general diet and lifestyle options to try while you are on your road to recovery. 

Low-impact activities such as yoga, pilates, swimming, walking, and bicycling can increase overall fitness without straining the low back. You can improve your chances of early recovery by staying active and avoiding more than 2 days of relative bed rest. Heating pads can help to relax painful muscle spasms. Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Ice packs, epsom salt baths, and a targeted massage may provide relief.

In order to make sure that your bones are strong it is important to maintain a diet that is rich in:

• Calcium: A mineral that promotes bone density and may prevent the onset of osteoporosis.  Food sources are broccoli, amaranth, Bok Choy, kale, salmon, and dairy. 
   
• Vitamin D:  The “sunshine vitamin” regulates blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, and is essential to absorb nutrients. Food sources are milk, eggs, salmon and tuna.
   
• Manganese: A trace mineral that is beneficial for bone metabolism and growth. Food sources are beets, broccoli, brown rice, oats, clams, sunflower seeds, raspberries, walnuts, quinoa, almonds, chocolate, and blueberries.
   
• Bromelian: An enzyme that can ease the aching and stiffness of back muscles. The food source is pineapple.
   
• Ginger:  Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to relieve the muscle aches and chronic pain associated with back pain. Ginger root, tea, or tablets are all options to try. 
   
• Water: The discs between the vertebrae of our spine need to be nourished and kept hydrated. Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of pure water daily. 

*If you are experiencing back pain please schedule an appointment with us so that we can isolate the root cause, and provide you with specific guidance for relief.