Take comfort in knowing you’re not alone if you’re living with back problems. Experienced by anywhere from 30 to 50 million Americans at any given time, back pain can be more than just a minor annoyance. Even after you’ve been diagnosed and treated, you may still have to accept some physical limitations.
Find Acceptable Alternatives
Just because you can no longer be the weekend warrior you once were doesn’t mean you have to give up some of your favorite activities altogether. Los Angeles spine surgeons suggest considering modifications to your movements or alternatives to things you used to do before you had back problems, such as:
- Water aerobics instead of high-impact exercise
- Touch football instead of tackle football
- Daily walks instead of intense power jogs
Get Support from Other Back Pain Sufferers
Search for online support groups or look for local groups. Having someone to talk to who understands your pain can be comforting, and you may even discover some unexpected inspiration from others successfully living with back pain.
Explore Non-Physical Interests
Explore different interests that aren’t physically demanding. Blogging, for instance, can be an effective way to express your feelings while helping others at the same time. You may find a new sense of purpose by mentoring others, taking classes to learn new hobbies, or volunteering.
Consider Counseling or Therapy
Counselors can offer you the opportunity to discuss your feelings in a way that’s confidential and comforting while offering new insights and perspectives. After you adjust your way of thinking about your limitations, it may be easier to shift your energy to something positive.
Don’t Accept It!
Should you reach a point where you’re having difficulty living with the physical limitations of back pain, ask your doctor if there are other treatment options you may not have considered including motion-preserving back surgery. Seeking additional opinions or researching other remedies you haven’t tried yet could direct you towards new potential sources of relief.
How you experience back pain can change over time. Any modifications to your lifestyle you may have to make now may not be permanent–and even if they are, it doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life.
When all conservative methods for pain relief have been exhausted and pain continues to disrupt your daily life, it’s time to speak with a board-certified spine specialist in Los Angeles. Call The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration at (310) 828-7757 today and schedule an in-person consultation.