You probably know this feeling: you wake up with a sore, stiff back, and you just can't get comfortable throughout the day. Back pain can negatively impact your quality of life, making it harder to do the things you need to do. Fortunately, you can take steps to alleviate your discomfort. Here are four tips to help you deal with your back pain.

1. Do some gentle stretches.

Stretching can help to ease sore muscles and release tension in your spine. If you wake up with a sore back, try sitting on the floor and reaching forward to touch your toes. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but after a little time, it should provide some relief. Just remember to stop immediately if you feel any sharp or severe pain.

2. Take care to practice good posture.

When you have back pain, it can be tempting to slouch. Unfortunately, this will only increase your pain in the long run. Back pain can be caused by poor posture or sitting in unnatural positions for too long. You should always strive to keep your spine straight and properly aligned. While watching television, take care to keep your back supported. If possible, switch your office chair for an ergonomic version that supports good spinal health.

3. Try at-home pain remedies.

Of course, if you're dealing with back pain, you want relief immediately. The first thing you should do is take over the counter pain medication, unless there is a medical reason you shouldn't do so. While you're waiting for the painkillers to kick in, you can warm up a hot compress and apply it to the affected area on your back. Heat can penetrate deep into your muscles and bring you instant relief. If you get back pain often, you may want to invest in an electric heating pad so you don't have to keep warming up hot compresses.

4. Visit a health care clinic.

If your back pain is severe and unresponsive to other treatments, you should seek the care of a medical professional. In some cases, back pain can be a sign of a more serious problem. According to Mayo Clinic, you should visit a healthcare clinic if your back pain has been ongoing for longer than a week. You should also go if your back pain is localized to one side of your lower back, since that can be a sign of a kidney infection, which can be fatal when left untreated.

For more information, contact a local medical clinic.

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