5 Ways to Manage Back Pain and Keep Doing What You Love

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunbeamTargetedHeat #CollectiveBias 

Back pain is something that I've struggled with for most of my life. It started very early in high school as I was running track while going through huge growth spurts and dealing with scoliosis, and has transitioned into my adult life with carrying Kinsley around constantly due to her disabilities, training for races and being very active, and just the day to day life of being a mother. While I would love nothing more than for Derek to give me back massages 24/7, that is not his idea of a good time, so I've found five thing that work well for me to keep pain at a manageable level so that I can keep doing the things I love. 

Heating Pads: 

I love nothing more than curling up in bed with a good heating pad, but sometimes they can be super awkward and don't stay in place right where you need them. I have been loving the new Sunbeam® Renue® Contoured Back Heating Pad because it straps around your body and stays in place, which means that I can work at my desk, or read a book on the couch without having to worry about adjusting every five minutes. 

The Sunbeam® Renue® Contoured Back Heating Pad provides targeted heat therapy that is clinically proven to relieve pain associated with muscle tension and stress. The pad’s contoured design is shaped specifically to fit the #1 area of pain for heating pad users, the lower back. The integrated waist strap helps keep the pad in place for hands-free, high-level heat therapy. I also love that it has 4 heat settings with a 2-hour auto shut off, the entire pad is machine washable, and that it's made with soft Micromink fabric for added comfort. 

Epsom Salt Baths: 

I used to be religious about taking ice baths when training for an upcoming race, but I've learned that my body personally responds better to heat therapy as opposed to cold. I love taking epsom salt baths because they're proved to help reduce pain and swelling, aid exercise performance and recovery, and promote sleep and stress reduction!

Core Exercises: 

When I was training for my marathon last year, I was constantly in pain and having to see my chiropractor every two weeks. Since then I've learned that if I stay on top of my core exercises, my pain decreases and my performance significantly improves. I try to do 500 reps each day, which takes me about 10 minutes, and I divide it up with the following exercises: 100 flutter kicks, 100 leg raises, 100 bicycle crunches, 100 V-Crunches, 100 plank shoulder taps. If you're unfamiliar with these movements, I recommend looking them up so you can try them yourself! 

Stretching Daily: 

I can tell a huge difference in my daily pain levels when I'm stretching everyday versus when I'm not. I don't go too extreme with this, but if I remember to stretch my legs out with some good hamstring stretches, this usually helps to relieve some tension in my lower back!

Chiropractic Care: 

While at home pain management is always my first line of defense, I do love visiting my chiropractor for occasional tune ups as well. I actually have a leg that is slightly shorter than the other one by about 4mm, so I like to go and get everything readjusted from time to time to make sure that I'm performing as best as I possibly can. The three minute massage that happens in these visits never hurts either ;) 

What are some ways that you manage pain at home? Do you love heating pads as much as I do? Be sure to shop for the new Sunbeam® Renue® Contoured Back Heating Pad at Walmart and walmart.com! #NewellHomeRefresh


Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the latest things in our lives by following along in instagram @thehappyflammily!