Your back is likely one of the most commonly used parts of the body. You need your back to take even the simplest step, to bend over and tie your shoe, and even to exercise. Most of you might know, when your back starts to hurt, it can be the most uncomfortable and inconvenient thing to deal with. Though there are a number of solutions for managing back pain, this post will talk about ways you can prevent pain or injury to your back and spine and promote back health as well.
Start with Your Bed
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to get comfortable in your bed? A bed that is old and worn down can wreak havoc on your neck and back making it difficult for you to get the rest you need. Old springs and other bed parts can give way and cause injury. If you’ve been unable to get a good eight hours of sleep, it could have everything to do with your bed. It’s probably a good idea to head to a mattress store and invest in a decent bed that will support your head, neck, and back comfortably as you sleep.
Consider the Office
A lot of back pain experienced by working adults comes from the workplace. Particularly for those who sit all day long, poor posture or the wrong office furniture can do a number on your back after eight hours. To prevent your back from giving out on you at work, you should talk with your employer about ergonomic furniture. A standing desk, for instance, improves your posture and allows you to stand at work instead of sitting all day which can have adverse effects on your health.
Get Up and Move
Okay, so exercise is probably the last thing you thought of for preventing back pain, but it works. Experts say that physical activities like aerobics, jogging, dancing, or swimming are all ways to reduce inflammation and tension in the body. By adding regular physical activity to your weekly routine (at least 3-5 times a week), you should start to see improvements in your back health.
Change Your Diet
Though it may not come as a surprise, what you are eating could have a lot to do with your back pain. If you want to prevent back pain from occurring, it is imperative to watch what you eat. The reason is that the extra weight that you put on when you are eating poorly weighs on your back, causing tension and pain which you can alleviate by maintaining a healthy weight.
Watch How You Lift
Whether you work in a warehouse where you are constantly lift heavy packages, or you are a stay a home mom who spends her days lifting the kids, it is important to watch how you lift things. You could seriously injure your back if you are not careful. When lifting anything, instead of bending straight over, you should bend your knees so as not to put a strain on your back.
Ditch the High Heels
This one is strictly for the ladies. Though they may look fabulous, wearing high heels too often puts a strain on your back. The heels shift the center of your gravity which strains the back. Wear a one-inch heel. If you’d prefer something higher, try not to wear them all day to minimize the strain on your back.
Learn Healthy Pain Management for Back Health
Sometimes, back pain is unavoidable. If this is the case and you are experiencing some back pain it is ideal that you learn some healthy ways to manage it. This means avoiding taking high doses of painkillers but learning effective stretches and massages that can work out the knots and kinks in your back. If your back pain is the direct result of something like a medical procedure or complication, speak with your doctor for the best steps to take.
Back pain, although very common, can be avoided – at least on a large scale. By being mindful of things like your bed, your workstation, your posture, diet, and exercise, you can minimize the chances of your back giving out on you. Remember if you are dealing with severe back pain and the above-mentioned back health tips don’t work, get to a doctor or chiropractor for advice on healthy pain management.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.
