Fatherhood is a rewarding experience, but it can also be quite challenging. One of the biggest challenges for active dads is dealing with body pain. Whether you're playing with your kids and chasing them around the house, or just the normal aches that every man feels as he gets older, chances are you're going to feel some aches and pains just like the rest of us. In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways that active dads can reduce body pain. Following these tips should help make fatherhood a little bit easier!
Aches and pains are a natural part of life. As we get older, our bodies get tired, and things don’t move as well as they used to, but that is far in the future right? Sure. That means some of your aches and pains might be less about age and more about how you are treating your body. If you’re an active dad, you are doing a lot of running around, playing, and trying to keep up with the energy of your kids. Here are a few ways the active dad can remain pain-free.
Work To Prevent Pain And Injury Before It Happens!
This isn't going to reduce body pain but it will go far in reducing it from happening in the first place. Whether it is using a back brace, proper footwear, or simply avoiding situations where your body isn't able to cope ... this should be your first line of defense!
Stretch Before Any Physically Demanding Activity
Be kind to your muscles and stretch. It is recommended to do some light stretching before you work out and definitely after you work out. This will keep your muscles loose and will lessen your risk of injury. The more you stretch the happier your muscles will be and you will experience less pain.
While you should consider stretching BEFORE any physical activity, stretching AFTER running around or lifting heavy objects is an important way to cool down those muscles as well.
Make Your Bed Ergonomic
A lot of times, if your bed is not up to par, it can cause back pain, leg pain, and neck pain. The best way to prevent this is to either get a new mattress or to get a mattress topper. Your mattress may be fine, but if not, get a mattress with memory foam so that it won’t sag and sink over time.
A mattress topper can add some softness and contour to your bed that will keep your spine straight and your neck level so that you won’t wake up feeling twisted and out of shape.
Hydrate And Eat Healthy Foods With A Good Balance Of Vitamins
Also, hydrate your muscles. Make sure you are getting plenty of water throughout the day (at least a half gallon to a gallon of water daily) depending on your hydration needs. Fully hydrated muscles are less likely to pull or get injured during activities and working out.
Healthy foods with vitamins are essential to staying pain free too. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give you the nutrients your body needs to function properly. Antioxidants found in these foods help to reduce inflammation throughout your body which can lead to pain.
Be Kind to Your Joints
By having a healthy diet and taking certain supplements, you can reduce your risk of joint pain. Taking glucosamine is a way to keep your joints lubricated and your cartilage in good shape. If taking a supplement is not for you, there are other ways to help your joints, namely, building up the muscles around your joints for protection.
Find exercises online where you can strengthen your hips and shoulders to prevent the onset of chronic pain or damage. By doing a daily exercise that strengthens these areas that are prone to weakness will increase your odds of preventing damage to those specific joints. Always consult with your doctor first before starting any new workout regimen.
Massages Truly Are Therapeutic
Many may think this is a luxury and not worth the money and others think it's something that can lead to naughty things. However, the reality today is that massage therapy is a very well-regulated and important part of pain management that ends up being far cheaper than waiting for your body to break and end up at the doctor!
Massages are good for you and they help prevent pain. Getting a massage once a month or a few times a year will help keep your muscles in place and a massage therapist can identify and fix any problems that may arise.
Know The Right Pain Reliever To Use When You Are In Pain
Not all pain relievers are equal. Some may have unexpected interactions with other drugs you are already taking. Most importantly, they each work differently. For instance, while some folks think Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen are all the same - they are actually quite different.
Aspirin is designed to inhibit prostaglandins and therefor our perception of pain and thereby reducing inflammation as well.
Acetaminophen - Tylenol - lacks Aspirin's ability to reduce inflammation but it can reduce fever. However, it is a mild pain reliever and so can be good for folks with stomach issues but should be avoided if you are drinking alcohol or trying to treat a hangover.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, works similar to aspirin in reducing prostaglandins but can be rough on the stomach though better than regular aspirin.
Finally, another popular option for pain relief is using CBD products. While scientific research isn't as conclusive as the big three above ... it's pretty clear that CBD has the potential for significant pain reduction as well as other benefits.
The important thing here is to ask your doctor what he or she recommends for the pains you are suffering from.
Body Pain Is Real - Don't Just "Walk It Off"
Active dads can reduce body pain in a variety of ways, many of which are simple and easy to do. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for keeping your body functioning properly and reducing inflammation. Supplementing your diet with glucosamine can help keep your joints lubricated and healthy. Strengthening the muscles around your joints through exercise will also help protect them from damage. Getting regular massages can also help prevent pain by identifying and fixing any problems that may arise. Finally, knowing which pain reliever to use when you're in pain is important. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and CBD products are all options that work differently depending on the person's needs. Talk to your doctor about what would work best for you.
