Back pain is the most common health problem among many people, according to the National Public Health Assessment.
Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life, and it helps to have guidelines to prevent back pain. Back pain varies greatly from one person to the next. It can range from mild to severe and can be short-lived or long-lasting.
Unfortunately, preventing all back pain may not be possible. We cannot avoid the normal wear and tear on our spines that goes along with aging. There are some things we can do at work and at home, however, to help reduce our risk of developing back problems.
Having a healthy lifestyle is a good start to preventing back pain. Here are some ways to prevent back problem now and in the future:
Keep Moving
It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that exercise will help to prevent back pain, and of course, we don’t mean exercising while you are in pain. Once the severe discomfort subsides, daily gentle exercise like walking, swimming, and stretching will help to keep lower back pain in check. Strengthening your core should be at the top of your list to help alleviate the strain of the muscles of the lower back.
Consult with Keith Clinic about the best type of exercise for you and your particular symptoms. If the pain begins to move down into your leg, you may be dealing with sciatica, which is a problem related to the spine rather than the muscles around it. Definitely talk with your physician prior to beginning any exercise program to avoid aggravating your back pain.
Be Conscious of Lifting
It doesn’t even matter how heavy an object is, you should always be conscious of the right way to lift something. Lifting and twisting simultaneously can wreak havoc on your lower back, but sometimes a simple adjustment can significantly relieve lower back pain.
Always stand as close to the object as you can and lift with your legs and knees while keeping your back straight. Bending your knees is always a good practice, but a straight back is an essential key to a proper lifting technique.
Never lift anything that seems too heavy. When in doubt, play it safe by asking someone else for help.
Good Posture Is Important to Prevent Back Pain
You remember how mom always told you to stand up straight with your shoulders back? Little did she know how important that advice would become in the modern age of computer use. If you spend a lot of time working on a laptop or computer, it’s easy to slouch and not sit properly. Over time, this, unfortunately, puts pressure on your back, which may cause a degenerated disc to become more painful.
Find an ergonomic chair to keep your spine in the right position. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Take breaks at least once an hour and change position fairly often. Maybe convert to a stand-up desk if that option becomes available. All these tips will help you refocus on your posture and better your back!
It is also possible to avoid neck issues by using a headset if you must speak on the phone for a lengthy period of time. Never cradle a phone or cell between your chin and shoulder.
Sleeping for Health
Sleeping is intrinsic to good health. It’s best to sleep on your side to relieve any pressure on your back, and this positioning also alleviates issues associated with sleep apnea. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this causes too much pressure on your spine.
Search for a mattress and pillow that provide support for both your body and neck. Proper alignment of your neck as you sleep will prevent you from waking up with pain right at the start of your day.
Avoid the Bending and Twisting Motion
This is a tough one for active people to remember. We don’t realize we are doing it until it’s too late. Shoveling snow, gardening, and doing routine housework are all prime opportunities to twist our bodies as we bend down to do something. Instead, try turning your whole body instead of opting for the injury-prone twist.
Lose Some Weight to Prevent Back Pain
Yes, that again. Unless your BMI is perfect, losing a few pounds will help you prevent lower back pain. Carrying extra weight, especially around your midsection, is a prime risk factor for pain in the low back since it puts added stress on the muscles and ligaments in that area. In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet will also make it much easier for you to drop those excess pounds and prevent chronic back pain.
Water, Water, Water
Most of us don’t realize how vitally important staying hydrated is for our general health. Our joints need hydration to stay flexible. In particular, our spinal discs become susceptible to dehydration and shrinkage when they lose height from a lack of fluid. Consequently, discs become prone to slipping out of their proper place and leading to a painful herniated disc.
Don’t Ignore Pain
Pain tells us something is wrong and needs to be corrected. If you continually take OTC medications to relieve the same pains over and over again, you are not fixing the problem. You are also certainly not treating the underlying issue, which is likely to only become worse in the near future.