How to Help Back Pain
In the weeks before Covid-19 shut down the United States, my shoulder and neck started hurting so much that I couldn’t turn my head. A heating pad helped a little, but it wasn’t a long-lasting solution. I didn’t want to get a muscle relaxer because it would knock me out. Over-the-counter pain relievers helped a little, but not much. I finally went to a chiropractor.
She helped a lot. Unfortunately, the service was not covered by my insurance and the out-of-pocket cost was a whopping $80 bill. So, though a few more visits would have been useful, it was a one-time experience.
With a little more mobility but still some pain, I started researching some yoga stretches that might help. Lockdown was in full force, so I turned to Youtube for help. I found some stretches that really helped to loosen my muscles. It’s a sequence I’ve used periodically over the years since, whenever I feel some tightening in my neck and shoulders.
When B.G. was born in 2025, I had a lot of pain in the coccyx (tailbone) area–-the result of four hours of pushing during labor. I wasn’t able to see a chiropractor until I was six weeks postpartum. When I did, I first made sure to find one that accepted my insurance! I did, and it was so helpful. I continued to see her, twice a month and then once a month.
Again, doing some stretches found on YouTube were so helpful. Between the chiropractor and regular stretching, my mobility returned and the pain lessened. I can still feel it, but it’s not constant. (The other service which helped me out was pelvic floor therapy. I’m going to go into this more in another blog post!)
Anyway, my takeaway two cents on helping with back pain:
Find a chiropractor who accepts your insurance and you feel comfortable with (for me, this meant a female chiropractor.) Ask around about who people recommend. It’s okay to “test” someone out and change if their style isn’t working for you. It’s okay to go as needed or go regularly.
Search “stretches for back pain” on Youtube. If there is a particular area of your back you want to focus on, like by your neck and shoulders or your lower back, indicate that.
Heating pad
Stay hydrated. Dehydration affects so many different parts of your body, including muscles.
Get enough magnesium and potassium
Light exercise. In the days and weeks after B.G. was born, I slowly began moving again. Before getting pregnant, I could walk five, six, seven, miles, easily. After she was born, going around the block was a huge accomplishment! With persistence and the above-mentioned help, my strength and stamina returned.
Many of these points are useful for aches and pains throughout your body. And of course, if you have persistent or severe pain, please reach out to your doctor. Otherwise, I hope these tips help! On a lighter note, on the blog on Monday, March 1st, read all about making a dye-free green beer for St. Patrick’s Day.
Thanks for reading!
💜
Laura
