How To Help Arthritis Pain In Upper Back And Shoulder - Experts' Recommendations

Many people suffer from problems with arthritis pain. The most common location of this type of pain is in the upper back and shoulders. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to ease your pain without having to resort to dangerous medications or surgeries. Experts say that simple lifestyle changes, like the ones we discuss in this article, can help up to 90 percent of people who suffer from back pain problems.

Chair support is the number one most important solution for how to help arthritis pain in upper back and shoulder. There are specially-designed chairs for back pain available. These chairs are built with lumbar support pads that force you to sit up straighter which will eventually bring about pain relief. If you don't have access to a chair designed for back pain, you can use a small, firm pillow tucked behind your lumbar region in any chair to accomplish the same result.

Next, it is important to use an anti-inflammatory. Although it might make sense to stay away from prescription medications for arthritis, some of which have been found to cause heart problems, a simple, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory is safe. These include ibuprofen and aspirin. Make sure to check with your doctor to make sure you can take this type of medication.

Another answer to how to help arthritis pain in upper back and shoulder areas is to practice some kind of gentle exercise routine. Calisthenics, tai chi, or light aerobic exercise are all fine for people with back problems and can help stretch the muscles to provide pain relief.

A major question is how to help arthritis pain in upper back and shoulder areas that develops during the night. A firm, comfortable mattress, possibly with a memory foam top, can do a world of good for these nighttime aches and pains. Experts also recommend putting a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side or under your knees if you sleep on your back as methods of eliminating nighttime problems.

If you suffer from back pain, you will find that altering your lifestyle somewhat and adding an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory will make a world of difference.