| How to Treat Neck and Back Pain Naturally Posted: 13 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT Back and neck pain can have a big impact on your daily life, and make it hard to get from place to place. Although this pain may be a sign of a more serious condition, like spinal stenosis, a bulging disc, or spinal arthritis, it may also stem from your age and current lifestyle.[1] Within a few minutes, you can try a variety of natural remedies that can alleviate some of the pain in your neck and back, which will help you lead a more relaxing and fulfilling life. While you should always discuss serious concerns and possible injuries with your doctor, you may be able to treat your symptoms from the comfort of your own home. [Edit]Getting Immediate Relief - Use a cold compress if you're dealing with a recent injury. Fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap a clean towel around it. Place the ice on the affected area for 10 minutes, then remove the pack.[2] Use ice therapy up to 3 times a day if your pain persists.[3]
- You can also use a bag of frozen peas or other vegetables instead of an ice baggy. Be sure to wrap a towel around the bag before you use it, though.[4]
- Apply a hot compress for existing pain. Check online or visit your local pharmacy and pick up a heating pad or hot compress for the affected area. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and leave the hot compress on the affected area for that amount of time. Be sure to remove the compress before falling asleep.[5]
- Talk to your doctor about what type of heat or cold therapy is best for your specific symptoms.
- Compresses work especially well for lower back pain.
- Use a TENS device to treat your neck and back pain. Search online or in your local pharmacy for a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device, which uses light amounts of electricity to soothe away the pain. Place the electrodes on the affected area, then power on the battery-operated device to start your treatment. Be sure to follow the provided instructions, or ask a doctor for advice if you're unsure.[6]
- TENS units don't work for everyone, but they might have positive results for you!
- Visit an acupuncture professional to get rid of your pain. Check online to schedule an appointment with a specialist near you. See if the treatment provides any relief for your pain—if so, you may want to schedule a follow-up appointment, or figure out a regular treatment plan with the acupuncture specialist or your doctor.[7]
[Edit]Stretching and Exercising to Alleviate Pain - Perform a simple stretch to ease your neck pain. Keep your head upright, then look forward. Pull in your chin and glide your head backwards in a straight line. Once you've moved your head back, hold it in place for 5 seconds. Repeat this stretch 5 times throughout the day to get the full effect.[8]
- Do these stretches on a daily basis and see if you notice a difference!
- Do a bridge exercise to stretch your back. Set out a yoga mat or find another comfortable surface to use. Lay on your back with both feet planted on the floor and knees bent and pointing upwards. Engage your core and glute muscles, then lift your hips off the ground. Inhale and exhale 3 times before lowering your hips and bottom back to the ground.[9]
- Try to do 5 reps of this each day. As you feel more comfortable with the exercise, add a few more reps to your routine each day.
- When you lift your hips, you should create a diagonal line from your shoulders to the top of your knees.
- Prioritize regular cardio exercise. Talk to a healthcare professional about creating a workout plan, or develop an exercise plan on your own. Opt for exercise that gets your heart pumping, like going for a run or jumping rope.[10] Ideally, aim to exercise around 150 minutes each week, or follow your doctor's specific recommendations.[11]
- Perform regular strength exercises to reduce your pain. Find a comfortable surface to exercise on, then lay on your stomach. Lift yourself up so you're only placing weight on your toes and forearms, then hold this plank position for 30 seconds. Give yourself 30 seconds to recover, then try another rep of this exercise.[12]
- Ask your doctor for specific strength training suggestions.
- Side planks are another great way to build your strength.
- Take up yoga to reduce your symptoms. Focus on easy exercises that work on stretching and strengthening the muscles around your back and neck. Specifically, look for poses or exercise that force you to focus on posture and breathing.[13] If you don't know how or where to get started, ask your doctor for advice.[14]
- It helps to work with a professional instructor, as they can make sure that your posture and form are correct.
- Lose some weight to reduce your spinal pain. Work on maintaining a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, which may help you lose a little weight. Talk to your doctor about making a customized workout plan that is designed for your needs that won't put a lot of strain on your back and neck. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away—losing weight is a big endeavor, and it takes a lot of time and dedication.[15]
- If you weigh less, your back may feel a little less strained and sore.
[Edit]Making Diet and Lifestyle Changes - Opt for foods with anti-inflammatory qualities to reduce your pain. Fill your diet with lots of fresh produce, leafy vegetables, mixed nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and fatty fish. Add these foods into your meals on a regular basis—while you may not feel different at first, you may start to feel better several weeks or months. With this in mind, don't go for greasy foods with a lot of trans or saturated fats, as these might make your inflammation worse.[16]
- Look for fruits and vegetables that are super colorful, like beets, blueberries, oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries. Additionally, be on the lookout for leafy greens, like broccoli, kale, and spinach.
- Sardines, mackerel, and salmon are some great fatty fish that you can try.
- Healthy oils are chock full of monounsaturated fats, like canola and olive oil.
- Try to avoid foods made with refined grains, like white bread.
- Choose foods that are high in calcium to ease pain over time. Opt for sardines, low-fat dairy, soybeans, and leafy vegetables to supplement your daily calcium needs. If you're having some trouble getting your daily calcium requirement, ask a doctor if supplements or vitamin D pills are a good option for you.[17]
- Ideally, you need to consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 600 mg of vitamin D each day.
- Calcium may help reduce your back pain if you suffer from a bone-related issue like osteoporosis.
- Know your limitations when you go out and about. Don't perform any tasks that put a lot of strain on your back and neck, like lifting a heavy box or pushing a piece of furniture. If you think you may be at risk for straining or further hurting your back, ask a friend or family member for help.[18]
- There's no shame in asking for help! Your friends and family will be happy to assist, especially if it means preventing an injury further down the line.
- Select comfortable shoes that don't strain your back. Avoid stilettos and other high-heeled shoes that mess with your internal alignment. Instead, choose flat, comfortable shoes that don't put a lot of strain on your lower back and spine. If you're really attached to a certain pair of shoes, use special inserts that cushion your feet while you walk.[19]
- Get a good night's sleep with a comfortable pillow and mattress. Choose a pillow and mattress that support your back and neck. If you share a bed with someone, make sure that there's enough space for both of you to lie and rest comfortably. Select pillows that support your sleeping habits, instead of providing extra strain.[20]
- For instance, belly sleepers are better off sleeping with a flat pillow, along with another pillow under their tummy and hips. If you're a side sleeper, you may want to support your spine by securing a sturdy pillow between your knees.
- Try to not to sleep on a bunch of pillows, as this may strain your neck.[21]
- Fix your posture if you find yourself slumped a lot. Pretend that there's a meter stick or other straight object going from your ears to your ankles. With this in mind, try to keep your shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, and ears all lined up in a straight line. Lift your head and keep your hips rigid so you can stand in a sturdy, comfortable position.[22]
- When you're sitting, keep your feet parallel and flat on the floor. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and your head facing forward, so you don't feel slumped or uncomfortable.
- Check here for several posture exercises that you can try: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posture-and-back-health.
- Use caution when trying popular remedies. Talk to a doctor and reconsider before using any herbal supplements or trying any other type of experimental remedy. Instead, use safe, medically-proven treatments to address your neck and back pain, like heat and cold therapy or regular stretching and exercise.[23]
- If your pain is very severe, your doctor may be able to prescribe more intense painkillers. Physical therapy or surgery may also be an option for more extreme cases.
[Edit]Seeking Medical Care - Go to the doctor immediately if you've injured your back or neck. If you hurt your back during a fall, car accident, or sporting event, see your doctor immediately to have your injury evaluated. They'll make sure you don't have a broken bone or more serious damage. Then, they'll help you create a treatment plan to help you feel better.[24]
- Don't try to treat an injury on your own. It's possible that some injuries can get worse if you don't get proper care.
- See your doctor if you have numbness, tingling, or severe pain. Try not to worry if you feel any severe symptoms, as it's possible that you have a pinched nerve. Visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis so you can treat your symptoms.[25]
- Tell your doctor how long you've been experiencing these symptoms and what you think caused them.
- Get immediate medical treatment if you have serious symptoms. While you don't need to worry, severe symptoms may be a sign that something is wrong. It's best to get checked out by your doctor to make sure you're okay. You may need additional treatment to help you recover. Go to the emergency room or get a same day doctor's appointment if you have trouble urinating, feel numbness in your legs, have a fever, feel weak, or experience other severe symptoms.[26]
- Visit your doctor if your pain doesn't improve in 1 week. In most cases, your back and neck pain will improve in a few days with self care. If it persists or worsens, see your doctor to find out why. They can diagnose the cause of your back pain and help you find a treatment that helps.[27]
- Tell your doctor about the symptoms you've been experiencing, how long they've lasted, and what you think caused them. Additionally, discuss the treatments you've already tried.
- Ask your doctor if anti-inflammatory or relaxant drugs are right for you.[28]
- Keep your glasses prescription up-to-date, if you can. If your glasses are too weak, you may lean forward a lot and strain your neck.[29]
- If you sit at a desk or computer a lot, use a chair that supports your neck and back.[30]
- Consult a doctor or therapist and see if meditation is good option for your back and neck pain.[31]
- Quit or cut back on smoking, which can cause some back pain over time.[32]
- Lie in bed for a few hours if your pain is severe.[33]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Rid of Spiders in the House Posted: 13 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT Most spiders prefer living outdoors, but all too often, you may run across a few spiders that have found their way indoors in search of food or shelter. Getting rid of these pests is most easily accomplished by keeping them out, but after they get inside, there are a variety of proven and unproven remedies you can use to scare them off or kill them. This wikiHow will offer a few common pest control methods to use against spiders the next time they infest your house. [Edit]Keep Spiders Out Of Your Home - Seal up your home. Patch up cracks and holes leading from the outside in to prevent spiders from finding their way indoors.[1]
- Use caulk to fill in large gaps of space in closed doors and windows. Also apply caulk around wires, cables, faucets, and electrical components, since all of these must run to the outside.
- Replace or fix torn window screens. Spiders can easily find their way in through even the smallest holes.
- Cover your vents and chimney with fine mesh insect screens.
- Keep your outdoor lights off. While outdoor lights will not attract spiders, they will attract other pests that can serve as appetizing food sources for spiders.
- On a similar note, block indoor lights from shining through your windows by using opaque blinds or shades.
- Consider switching to yellow sodium vapor lights. These are less appealing to insects and less likely to draw in a food source for your spiders.[2]
- Remove vegetation away from the perimeter of your house. If you have a serious spider problem, consider transplanting shrubs, trees, ivy, and other plants from the perimeter of your house to the opposite side of the yard.
- Vegetation attracts spiders because it serves as an ample hiding spot. When spiders need to seek out warmth or new food sources, they crawl from the vegetation toward your home, getting in through cracks.
- You should also remove mulch, stones, leaves, or other debris near your home.
- Keep a tidy house. Clean homes give spiders fewer places to hide out in, making them less likely to stay even if they do slip inside.
- Do not leave leftover food lying around. Food crumbs will attract other pests like ants, which, in turn, will attract spiders.
- Regularly sweep and vacuum your floors. Wipe down your counters and tables, and avoid letting your dirty dishes sit out for more than a few hours.
- Pick up as much clutter as possible. Old newspapers and piles of dirty clothes make the ideal hiding place for spider species that thrive in darkness.
- Use plastic storage containers. Airtight plastic containers are difficult for spiders to crawl into, but cardboard boxes are fairly easy.
[Edit]Verified Pest Control Methods - Vacuum spiders and spider webs. One of the simplest methods for getting rid of spiders is vacuuming up egg sacs and webs as you run across them.
- This method works best when trying to get rid of a few spiders. It may not be very efficient if you have a large spider population living in your home, however.
- You can also use a broom to sweep away webs.
- Rather than killing spiders, you should transport them outside if possible. Spiders are a species that is very beneficial to humans, and they're rather noble once you understand them.
- Web-building spiders that spend most of their time along the ceiling are not likely to fall victim to the glue trap, but these are very effective against ground-dwelling spiders like jumping spiders and house spiders.
- Keep the trap flat to prevent it from curling up into itself.
- Discard the trap as soon as you collect a few spiders on it.
- Note that this is ineffective against spider eggs and webs, so you will likely need to use this method in conjunction with other techniques.
- Apply a residual insecticide.[3] Spiders are attracted to places where there are other bugs for them to hunt, so you should apply a residual pesticides to get rid of those bugs.[4] Look for a pesticide that is safe to use indoors, and then spray it around your home. Make sure to apply the insecticide in corners and and other hard-to-reach places, which is where bugs will likely be found.
- Carefully follow the instructions marked on the label to prevent the accidental poisoning of yourself, a family member, or a pet.
- Understand the limit of residual insecticides. These poisons only work if spiders drag themselves through the chemical after it is sprayed. If a spider manages to avoid the spray, the insecticide will have no effect on it.
- Call a professional exterminator. If you have a large spider infestation and measures you take yourself are unable to control the problem, a professional might be able to apply a stronger chemical pesticide.
- Be aware that some professional pesticides are so strong that you will need to vacate the premises for several days while the effect dies down.
- In general, the repellents or transporting a spider are better options for everyone than squishing the little bugger. If you can handle it, picking up a spider and moving it to your porch with a paper towel or jar will save you from meeting a few bugs.
[Edit]Folk Remedies - Deter spiders with horse chestnuts.[5] Place a few horse chestnuts in each corner of the house and in any area of the house where you frequently run across spiders.
- Chestnuts, walnuts, and the fruit of the Osage orange tree are thought to have the same effect.
- Little is known about why this treatment repels spiders, and there is no scientific evidence or explanation backing the solution.
- Some speculate that horse chestnuts have some form of noxious chemical that repels spiders based on scent. To this end, consider poking holes in the chestnut or splitting it in half to release the odor.
- Spray your house down with peppermint oil. Fill a standard spray bottle with water and mix in 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spray down all the cracks and corners of your house.
- The idea is that spiders cannot tolerate the smell of peppermint oil and will run away in the opposite direction when they detect it. As a result, it is most effective when applied to possible entrances to the home.
- For a more potent effect, you can dab undiluted peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and stuff the cotton ball into cracks or other possible hiding places.
- Try eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil if you have a thing against peppermint. They reportedly have the same effect as peppermint oil and can be used in the same way.
- Spread diatomaceous earth around.[6] Scatter a fine layer of this powder around cracks, corners, windows, and basements. Spread it anywhere and everywhere you expect a spider to be.
- This powder is made from naturally-formed fossils of a water creature known as the diatom. It is safe for both people and pets.
- When a spider crosses over the diatomaceous earth, its exterior gets cut up, causing bodily fluids to leak out. The spider eventually dries out and dies as a result.
- You can also protect your home and prevent spiders from crawling in by spreading diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your house.
- Attack spiders with vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply it to any area in which spiders gather and spray it directly on any spider you see.
- Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is thought to burn and kill spiders upon contact.
- You can also place small dishes of vinegar in dark corners to ward away spiders. The odor alone may be enough to repel them.
- in winter, spiders are more likely to invade your home, so in winter clean your house very well once or twice a week.
- Fill a spray bottle with peppermint essential oil and spray it all around your home.
- Eucalyptus branches from a craft store, the really aromatic ones placed under furniture really help repel spiders & other pests.
- If you don't want to use vinegar, lemon and eucalyptus scents can also help with a spider problem.
- If you love animals, consider getting a cat. Cats are hunters by nature, and many domestic felines turn their instincts on small vermin, insects, and spiders that find their way indoors. Note that this is not a wise move if you are dealing with highly poisonous spiders, though.
- Spiders hate tobacco and lemon, so if situations are getting worse, you can sprinkle tobacco soaked in water or lemon juice to keep them away.
- Keep a pet frog. Most spiders are vulnerable to frogs. The frog will eat the spiders and also the insects that can attract spiders to come.
- Remember that spiders, although scary, are actually quite docile and as long as you do not disturb them, they will not disturb you.
- You can also use baking soda. Sprinkle some into corners, on window sills, on carpets, etc., and vacuum it up after letting it sit overnight.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Caulk
- Insect screens
- Sodium vapor lights
- Vacuum cleaner
- Glue traps
- Residual insecticide
- Horse chestnuts
- Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Vinegar
- Diatomaceous earth
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Organize Jewelry in a Drawer Posted: 13 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you've been looking for a way to organize your jewelry, placing it in your drawer in a jewelry organizer is a great way to keep it sorted and in good condition. Look through your jewelry and get rid of pieces you don't want anymore before purchasing a jewelry organizer with compartments for each piece. You can even get creative and make your own containers to put in the drawer from things like egg cartons or unused tea cups. [Edit]Choosing a Storage Organizer - Go through your jewelry and only keep the necessary pieces. Gather all of your jewelry together so you can go through it. Get rid of any pieces that you're not going to wear, as well as pieces that are broken. Consider donating pieces that aren't broken to a local charity or second-hand store for them to use.[1]
- Get rid of any earrings that are missing a match, too.
- Measure your drawer so you know what size organizer to purchase. Use a measuring tape to take the measurements of the drawer you're planning on storing your jewelry in, writing down the length, width, and depth on a piece of paper. This will tell you what size jewelry organizers to look for, making sure that the one you choose will fit in your drawer.
- When you're looking at jewelry organizers, pay attention to the dimensions listed on the packaging to see if they will fit in your drawer.
- Purchase a jewelry organizer with separate compartments. Once you know how much jewelry you have to store, decide on which jewelry organizer will fit all of your pieces. Look for jewelry organizers that go in drawers at your local big box store or home goods store, choosing one that has the compartments for each different type of jewelry that you own.[2]
- Velvet-lined jewelry organizers are the best material option as they prevent your jewelry from moving in their compartments.
- Use clear plastic jewelry inserts for a cheaper storage option. Things like costume jewelry can be placed in plastic jewelry organizers because they're less likely to become damaged than your more valuable or sentimental pieces. Look for plastic jewelry organizers that come with different compartments at your local big box store or online, often costing much less than a wooden jewelry organizer or one lined with velvet.[3]
- Stacking clear plastic jewelry inserts on top of one another will make it easier to see pieces of jewelry on the bottom row.
- Try velvet-lined trays to protect your pieces of jewelry. If you're worried about your jewelry getting scratched or damaged by a plastic organizer, pick out one that's lined with velvet or some other type of similar material. The velvet keeps the pieces of jewelry from sliding around and acts as a layer of protection against the organizer.[4]
- Look for velvet-lined jewelry organizers at your local home goods store or online.
- Velvet-lined trays are perfect for special gems or sentimental keepsakes.
- Place shallow jewelry inserts into a drawer with a shorter depth. Many top drawers of dressers aren't as deep as the other drawers, making it harder to fit large collections of things all in one drawer. Luckily, many stores sell shallow jewelry organizers that will still hold your pieces of jewelry while also fitting in your drawer.[5]
- You might even purchase multiple shallow jewelry inserts and stack them on top of one another if your drawer allows it.
- Look for shallow jewelry inserts at your local home goods store or online.
- Stack organizers on top of one another if you have small, deep drawers. If you have a large jewelry collection and dresser drawers that are fairly deep, use multiple jewelry organizers stacked on top of one another to keep all of your jewelry organized. This makes it easy to find any piece that you'd like by simply lifting up the top tray to reach the bottom one.[6]
- Store pieces that you don't wear as often on the bottom tray and jewelry that you wear most often on the top tray.
- Look for jewelry organizers that are built to be stacked, or purchase two identical jewelry organizers to stack them easily on top of one another.
- Place expandable jewelry trays in dressers with a large drawer. If your dresser drawer is large and wide, get creative with your organizer, choosing a large one with lots of different compartments. You might pick out one organizer just for rings and earrings, and another organizer just for bracelets and necklaces.[7]
- Look at the different size options for jewelry organizers to find one that fits your needs.
- If your drawer is big enough, place each organizer tray next to each other in the drawer.
- You may need to check the total dimensions of the tray when it's fully expanded if you plan on opening it while the tray is in the drawer.
[Edit]Organizing Your Jewelry Collection - Group similar pieces together when placing them in the drawer. This includes things like bracelets with bracelets or necklaces with necklaces. Sectioning your jewelry so that similar items are placed together will make it faster and easier to find the pieces you're looking for when you're getting ready.[8]
- You might group pieces of jewelry that you wear often together and other pieces that are only worn on rare occasions together.
- Group pieces of jewelry that are more expensive together, or place all of your gold pieces with other gold pieces, silver pieces with other silver pieces, and so on.
- Place pieces of jewelry in the organizer depending on their size and shape. Most jewelry organizers come with compartments in different shapes and sizes for different pieces of jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Place each piece of jewelry in the box that fits its shape: necklaces go in long and skinny boxes, bracelets go in square boxes, and earrings or rings go in the smallest boxes.[9]
- Some organizers may also have foam in them designed for inserting rings and earrings.
- Give each piece of jewelry its own spot to avoid any damage. Try not to clump several pieces of jewelry on top of each other when you're placing them in the jewelry organizer. This prevents pieces from getting tangled together or broken. When you place your jewelry in the organizer, give each piece its own box or separated storage space to keep them looking their best.[10]
- Some things, like rings, can be stored together in one box of the organizer since they don't get tangled.
- Place necklaces in the organizer so that they're spread out in one long strand, putting each necklace in a different long box of the organizer.
- Display extra pieces of jewelry on top of the dresser. If you run out of storage space in your drawer or just want to display statement pieces of jewelry, place these pieces on top of your dresser. Put them in a glass case or hang them on a jewelry stand to store just a few pieces for a minimalist look.[11]
- For example, if you have a couple necklaces that are too bulky for your drawer jewelry organizer, hang these pieces on a necklace stand on your dresser to show them off.
[Edit]Creating Homemade Organizers - Use styrofoam egg crates to hold earrings or rings. Recycle an old styrofoam egg carton by rinsing it off before cutting the top off using scissors. Place the egg carton in your drawer, and separate your pieces of jewelry using each individual egg spot.[12]
- For example, place a pair of earrings in each compartment or 1 or 2 rings in each space.
- Rinse the styrofoam with dish soap and warm water to remove any leftover egg bacteria before you place your jewelry in it.
- Keep necklaces from tangling using clear plastic straws. Use scissors to make a cut in a straw going down its entire length. Place the necklace inside the straw so it's stretched out completely, keeping it from getting tangled.[13]
- Place the straws containing necklaces in a flat, shallow basket in the drawer for even more organization.
- Place unused teacups in the drawer to hold bracelets. If you have a collection of old teacups or small bowls, place them in the drawer lined up against one another. Set your bracelets or other large pieces of jewelry in each teacup or bowl, separating them so they don't get tangled and are easily recognizable.[14]
- Teacups are also great for holding watches or rings.
- Look around the house for items you can turn into containers. Jewelry organizers are all around you, from empty mint containers to pieces of ceramic art. Look through your drawers full of random nicknacks for small items you can use as containers to hold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or watches.
- Other ideas include using empty pill containers, yogurt containers, tin cans, or small cardboard boxes.
[Edit]References |
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