5 Steps To Beat Back Pain

Follow our five-point plan for a happier, healthier back

- Karen Evennett

1 Tackle stress

No matter how much you may love Christmas, all the extra shopping, cooking and navigating complicated family dynamics at this time of year can impact on your stress levels. And stress is one of the most common – though frequently overlooked – causes of back pain.

‘Tension causes lactic acid to build up and create knots in your largest muscles, especially those in your back,’ explains Sophia Kupse, a holistic therapist and founder of LT Therapy for back pain; themusclewhisperer.co.uk

Try this

Meditation

‘Just a few minutes of daily meditation will help clear out negative emotions, stopping stress and pain from building up,’ says Sophia. Google ‘meditation apps’ for a plethora of options. Or try free mindfulness sessions at oxfordmindfulness.org

Sound therapy

This is a great shortcut to the same relaxed state you reach with meditation. All you have to do is listen. Search for the keywords ‘alpha wave music’ to find CDs and YouTube videos.

Back to basics

‘Don’t delay. Back pain that lasts for one to three months can significantly impact on your quality of life, even affecting your relationships,’ says Sophia.

2 Top up your diet

‘People are often surprised to learn there’s a connection between their diet and their back pain,’ says Sophia. ‘But your body needs proper nutrition so that the muscles can continue to move and support your spine. If you haven’t eaten regularly and sensibly, your muscles may stop working for you. They can weaken, tighten up and become more susceptible to fatigue-related injury and emotional stress.’

Try this

Power foods