About half of all adults in the U.S. experience some degree of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, which affects the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, per the Cleveland Clinic’s website.
It can be sharp, acute pain that flares up suddenly, or the pain can be chronic and long-lasting.
While some cases may require surgery and/or prescription medication, some patients find relief through alternative methods, according to Claire Morrow, PT, senior physical therapy consultant at Hinge Health, a digital pain management clinic in San Francisco, California.
While some cases may require surgery and/or prescription medication, some patients find relief through alternative methods. (iStock)
She recommends doing the following breathing routine for five minutes each day.
First, lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Place a pillow behind your head so that you feel comfortable and relaxed.
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Gentle movement, whether it’s walking or even just rocking your hips from side to side, will help lower back pain, an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Gentle movement, whether it’s walking or even just rocking your hips from side to side, will help lower back pain, she told Fox News Digital.
Exercise of any intensity or duration can also help to increase pain tolerance, a recent study found.
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Dehydration can help to relieve head pain, inflammation and joint pain, research shows. (iStock)
“It can also lead to headaches,” she said.
“Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, reach for another glass of water,” she added.
4 — Set aside time for simple stretches
“If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk and are experiencing upper back and neck pain, try doing upper back stretches several times a week,” Morrow suggested.
“If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk and are experiencing upper back and neck pain, try doing upper back stretches several times a week,” an expert suggested. (iStock)
Place your hands behind your head and open your elbows.
Gently lean back until you feel the stretch across your chest and in your upper back. You can hold this for as long as it feels good.
Try holding for 10 seconds. Repeat three times.
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