Neck and back pain have a frustrating habit of coming back.
You may feel better for a few weeks, only to have symptoms return after a long workday, a hard workout, a weekend project, or sometimes for no obvious reason at all.
While it's impossible to prevent every episode of pain, there are practical steps you can take to improve your ability to tolerate the demands of work, exercise, and everyday life.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness in Maple Grove, MN, we encourage patients to think beyond simply getting out of pain. The longer-term goal is to keep moving, build capacity, and reduce the impact recurring problems have on your life.
1. Keep Moving
One of the simplest things you can do for your musculoskeletal health is remain physically active.
You don't need a complicated exercise program.
Walking, strength training, recreational activities, and other forms of regular exercise all give your body opportunities to move and adapt.
If you spend most of your workday sitting, periodically getting up and moving can also help break up long periods in the same position.
The goal isn't perfect movement. It's more movement.
2. Build Strength
A stronger body is generally better prepared for the physical demands you place on it.
Strength training can improve your ability to lift, carry, work, exercise, and participate in recreational activities.
For someone recovering from an injury or dealing with recurring symptoms, rehabilitation and movement exercises can provide a more individualized starting point.
As your tolerance improves, exercises can gradually become more challenging.
3. Stop Chasing Perfect Posture
You don't need to sit perfectly straight all day.
In fact, constantly trying to maintain one rigid position may become uncomfortable itself.
Instead, change positions regularly.
Sit. Stand. Walk. Stretch. Lean back. Adjust your workstation when necessary.
Your body generally appreciates variety more than one supposedly “perfect” posture.
4. Pay Attention to Recovery
Exercise and activity place stress on your body. That's normally a good thing—provided you also give yourself opportunities to recover.
Sleep, nutrition, rest, and appropriate training volume can all influence how you feel and perform.
If you've dramatically increased your workouts, started a new sport, or spent an entire weekend doing a physical project, some soreness may be expected.
The goal isn't to eliminate every ache. It's to recognize when your body needs recovery and when symptoms may warrant a closer look.
5. Gradually Increase Activity
A sudden increase in activity can sometimes trigger symptoms.
Maybe you haven't run in six months and decide to run five miles. Or spring arrives and you spend eight hours doing yardwork after a relatively inactive winter.
Your body adapts to what you regularly ask it to do.
When possible, gradually increase exercise, lifting, running, recreational activities, and other physical demands rather than going from very little activity to a lot at once.
6. Don't Ignore Persistent Symptoms
Most people experience occasional aches and pains.
But symptoms that repeatedly return, progressively worsen, or interfere with normal activities deserve more attention.
Persistent neck pain or back pain may involve muscles, joints, nerves, discs, previous injuries, or other factors.
An examination can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether treatment, rehabilitation, additional testing, or another type of evaluation is appropriate.
7. Address the Problem—Then Build Capacity
Passive treatment can sometimes help reduce symptoms and improve comfortable movement, but that doesn't necessarily mean your work is finished.
When appropriate, chiropractic care can be combined with active rehabilitation to help restore movement and gradually increase what your body can tolerate.
Massage therapy may also be useful when muscle tension and soreness are part of the problem.
The goal is to choose treatment based on what you actually need rather than relying on the same approach for every episode of pain.
What If Your Pain Keeps Coming Back?
Recurring pain doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong.
But if the same problem continually interferes with work, exercise, sleep, or activities you enjoy, it's reasonable to investigate why.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness, we'll look at your symptoms, movement, health history, activities, and goals to help determine what may be contributing to the problem.
From there, we can recommend an appropriate next step.
Chiropractic Care for Neck & Back Pain in Maple Grove, MN
You can't guarantee that you'll never experience another episode of neck or back pain.
You can work toward becoming stronger, moving more, improving your physical capacity, and having a better strategy for dealing with problems when they occur.
If recurring pain is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, we're here to help.
Start Feeling Better for Just $19
Your first visit includes a consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Greg Beenken
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