Lower Back Pain? Don't Do These Things
By Karen Heslop
Even if you're doing the right things to alleviate lower back pain, doing the activities on this list can work against your efforts. Sometimes maintaining good spinal health is all in the things you don't do so let's have a look at what you need to avoid.
Don't Lift Heavy Objects
One consequence of having lower back pain is not being able to safely manage heavy objects. If heavy lifting comes with your job, it's best to ask for assistance or equipment that can help with moving large items. No amount of recuperative exercise will help when you keep aggravating your back.
Don't Neglect Good Posture
Poor posture is the enemy of relief from back pain. Every time you slouch, there's pressure on your muscles, joints, and discs. All that pressure can result in acute and even chronic pain. To keep that in check, practice sitting and standing using good posture techniques. Additionally, it helps to arrange your workspace in a way that supports your body.
Don't Bend Forward Too Much
Bending in a forward motion tends to put pressure on the lower back. While it might not make a significant difference if you do it occasionally, frequent forward bending can wreak havoc on your lower back. If it's unavoidable, it's recommended that you do lower back exercises regularly. These exercises will help to strengthen the back muscles and may ease the discomfort.
Don't Smoke
Smoking has been pinpointed as one habit that has a variety of negative effects on the health. Many of these are associated with nicotine's artery-constricting properties. Narrowed arteries affect how easily blood flows throughout the body, including the spine. Without proper blood flow, persons experience frequent and consistent pain. If you've been smoking, it's definitely time to quit.
Don't Avoid Exercise
Telling someone who's in pain to exercise doesn't always go over well. The key to managing lower back pain while exercising is finding the right routine. It's best to look for exercise programs that focus on strengthening the muscles and offer modifications for persons who can't do the movements as is.
Don't Ignore Worsening Pain
When chronic back pain is a part of your life, it can be easy to get used to having it there. You might even expect it to get worse over time. Unfortunately, worsening back pain can be an indication that things are getting out of control. It's best to let your doctor know what's happening so a proper assessment can be done.
If you're seeing a chiropractor for your lower back pain, you're on the right track. However, don't derail all those efforts with the activities on this list.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.