Top Ways to Relieve Neck and Back Pain for First Responders

This post is sponsored by Teeter. All opinions are honest and my own.

Many first responders, including my husband, experience neck and back pain from the job.

Why?

Long shifts, standing for hours on end, sitting in uncomfortable vehicles, heavy duty belts, bulletproof vests…

I could go on and on. But these are the top reasons so many first responders experience chronic neck and back pain.

Obviously, if the pain is chronic or severe, a doctor should be seen. If no medical conditions are noted, then finding relief in a natural, healthy way is important. With unpredictable shifts and schedules, it is not always realistic to visit places like a chiropractor or physical therapist often. So having options that first responders can do at home, daily is ideal.

Top Ways to Relieve Neck and Back Pain for First Responders

Daily stretching

Stretching can be done any time of the day but it is incredibly beneficial to stretch if you have been in the same position for long periods of time. It is also helpful after long shifts or towards the end of your day. Stretching is a quick way to relieve tension, keep blood flowing, and relieve pain.

Be aware of how you sit and hold devices for long periods of time

Pay attention to your posture, how you are sitting with your duty belt or uniform on and be sure to change positions frequently.

Also pay attention to how you hold and view tablets or devices. If you are constantly looking down and bending your neck, then try to change how you do this to see if it relieves pressure and pain.

Relieving Pressure off the Neck and Back

My husband has suffered from neck and back pain for as long as I can remember. It gradually began after years of wearing heavy equipment around his waist and vests as a police officer.

After talking with my father who also suffers from years of back pain from being in the military, he recommended my husband try a Teeter Inversion Table.

My husband and I have both been using the Teeter Inversion Table for the last 4+ years and are always amazed at the amount of relief it brings almost immediately. It has been the most beneficial for us to get on the Inversion Table at the end of the day then go immediately to bed.

Because we had such a good experience with Teeter’s Inversion Table, we decided to also try out the FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer by Teeter.

The FreeStep allows you to have a low impact workout taking the tension off painful areas like your back.

The FreeStep comes with a display screen that tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

You can also place your cell phone or tablet right above the screen to access the Teeter Move App. You get access to trainers, any time of day, for FREE! So my husband can do FreeStep exercises while relieving his back pain and getting stronger when it works for his schedule! This makes exercising with trainers easily accessible for any first responder!

Another added bonus is that my husband can use the FreeStep any time of day (or night) and not risk waking the kids because it is 100% quiet!

By the way, Teeter also offers Service Discounts. So if you are Military, a First Responder, or in the Health Field, you qualify for 15% off with a valid I.D. You can get verified for the discount here.

Ice and Heat

Any time pain occur it is a good idea to begin either hot or cold compresses fairly immediately. If you suffer from chronic pain and nothing occurred as the result of an injury, then applying heat or ice before or after your shift regularly can help with inflammation that may be present. You will need to decide which is better for your pain/injury, ice or heat, as alternating both is not recommended.

You don’t have to let neck and back pain from the job control your life. You can take the necessary steps to be in control of your health by starting today!