Did you ever wonder why your back pain levels differ from day to day?  Why did you hurt so badly yesterday, but today feel somewhat better?  Many back pain sufferers note fluctuating daily symptoms.  In other words, they have their good days and bad days.  The problem is that most people have no idea why this occurs or how to ensure that they experience more good days than bad.  So, what can you do to make certain you experience relief from your back pain?

In order to find back pain relief, we must first identify the things that exacerbate our back pain in the first place.  Because our routines typically vary, to some degree, with each passing day, it stands to reason that our aches and pains will vary as well. Let’s take a look at some factors that will greatly impact the severity of back pain.

Firstly, posture. Poor posture is a major cause for fluctuating back pain symptoms.  For example, if you sit slumped over a computer for 8 hours on Monday after resting all weekend, your back will likely hurt worse on Tuesday that it did the day before.  The same goes for driving.  If you spent a lot of time slouching in traffic on Friday, it’s very possible you’ll note more tension and pain on Saturday.  Even poor sleeping positions (i.e. sleeping on your stomach) can trigger daily pain fluctuations.

If you’re serious about experiencing back pain relief, you have to be serious about improving your posture.  Make sure you have an ergonomically correct chair, a well-placed keyboard, and an eye-level monitor when spending time at the computer.  Sit up as straight as you can and try not to slouch.  This goes for driving as well.  If you need a lumbar support pillow, get one.  Try not to hunch over the steering wheel and adjust your seat to provide the best possible support.  While leaning back may look “cool”, it’s not going to feel “cool”.

Secondly, nutrition.  Another contributing factor to chronic, yet fluctuating, back and neck pain is nutrition.  If you have a severe back problem that leaves you suffering with fluctuating symptoms, you should consider examining your diet.

Some foods can actually contribute to inflammation thusly increasing pain.  The list of foods that can increase the severity of your back pain include hydrogenated oils, as well as foods that are acidic (remember, foods that taste acidic don’t always increase acidity in your body).   Some mild research will reveal which specific foods can trigger back pain and which foods can promote healing of your pain.  A healthy diet is key for having a healthy body.

Thirdly, stress and other sorts of negative emotions. Stress is a major contributor to back problems.  Stress can manifest itself as pain in the upper, middle, and lower back, as well as the neck and shoulders and it doesn’t stop there!  Stress and tension can exacerbate a large number of illnesses and diseases. If one day proves more stressful than the next, your symptoms, and your back pain may very well fluctuate.  Learning to manage stress successfully is vital for securing back pain relief.

Do your best to find an activity that helps you relieve stress and tension.  Take a walk, take a bath, listen to calming music, go for a run.  Practicing any stress-relieving activity will help you avoid common stress related back pains.

Remember, your life changes daily, therefore it only makes sense that the pain caused by living will change daily as well.  The good news is that you can prevent back pain and provide some relief for yourself by following a few simple, and proven successful, tips.

Related posts:

1. Is Poor Posture Causing You Neck and Back Pain?
2. Improve Your Posture for Neck and Back Pain Relief