Back pain is a serious problem for Americans. By some estimates, as many as 80% of adults in the United States suffer from back pain. In today’s world there are virtually limitless causes of strain and stress to our backs. We’re not nearly as active as our ancestors were, even a hundred years ago but particularly in primitive times when sitting was not the main event of the day. Nowadays whether we’re at our jobs, our homes, or in our cars, everywhere we go we sit. This is extraordinarily bad for the back and can cause chronic pain over time.

Other causes of back pain can include:

Being overweight and having a weak core: extra weight puts extra pressure on back muscles and the spine. In addition, the core muscles such as the abs provide crucial support to the back. If these muscles are not fit, the back must take much more strain than it should, leading to pain over time.

Bending at the neck to look at electronics: this one comes as no surprise. We put undue strain on our necks and backs with all the tilting of our heads to view computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices.

Carrying too much weight: children in particular these days are forced to carry heavy books and supplies to and from school. Adults tote laptop bags, briefcases, and toddlers on their hips, creating uneven pressure on the shoulders and back, which can result in pain and inflammation.

Insufficient exercise: this is probably one of the main culprits, as movement encourages healing, and activity builds up the muscles that support the spine and create a healthy balance between all the musculoskeletal systems that must work together to keep the body functioning smoothly and pain-free.

There are things you can do to circumvent these modern factors that contribute to chronic back pain. These include:

Get regular chiropractic care: keeping the spine aligned can prevent pain-inducing bulging and compression fracture of disks.

Get daily physical activity: movement stimulates cell regeneration and speeds healing of tissues. It also keeps weight down, which in turn prevents undue strain on back muscles. Yoga is excellent for stretching tight muscles and creating strength in crucial muscle groups.

Get up and move around at least once an hour during the day, particularly if you work at a desk.

Apply ice and compression to reduce swelling and inflammation and relieve pain if you do happen to experience a flare-up of back pain.

Cold therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in relieving back pain in those who have had the pain for two weeks or more. By reducing swelling, pressure is taken off of disks and nerves, allowing them to heal more quickly and efficiently and allowing you to return to a healthy level of movement.

RICE Made Better

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are all well and good but the regimen is messy and difficult to stick with. With a Portable Cold Compression System you can easily and efficiently bring your inflamed muscles down in temperature and alleviate pain and suffering. The specialized wraps allow the entire affected area to be surrounded by the cycling ice cold water, while compression is applied simultaneously. All controls are adjusted by the user for a customized experience.

Speed healing and relieve back pain with MOOVE cold compression therapy.