Tips for Pain-Free Parenting

By Donna Stark

When you signed up to being a parent you knew you were signing up for a lot of things, but did you ever see chronic back pain on the list? From the moment you brought your little bundle of joy home, those pain-free days you were used to living with were suddenly at risk of disappearing. And if you have been a parent for years, you probably don't even remember what they feel like anyway. Fortunately, many cases of back pain can be relieved with just some simple changes to your routine. Here are a few suggestions on how you can protect your back as soon as you become a parent.  

Lifting Your Child

There are definitely right and wrong ways to lift and hold your child. To pick your little one off the floor, bend at your knees, squat down, secure your child in your arms, and lift with your legs. Do not stretch your arms out and bend at the waist. Also, it is very important to avoid any unnatural twists of your spine.

Holding Your Child

We've all seen it, many of us are guilty of doing it, and although it is necessary at times, the trick to avoiding back pain is to keep an eye on how much time we actually spend doing it. What is it? It's holding a child on our hip. Sure, it is one of the easiest and most common positions to use but it can also overload the back muscles and pull the hips and spine out of alignment. Instead, consider using a baby carrier or stroller, or at the very least, switch hips often!

Reducing Your Stress

It's natural for our muscles to tighten when we are stressed and if there is anyone that carries stress in their body more than others, it's a parent! It's important to reduce your stress as much as possible and you can do so with effective stress management skills, such as deep breathing techniques, daily exercise, meditation, quality sleep, and a healthy diet.

Stretching Every Day

Believe it or not, by simply spending a small amount of time stretching every day, you can significantly reduce the risk of back pain. But don't make the mistake of thinking you just need to stretch your back! Your hips, legs, shoulders, and neck all play a crucial role in your body's flexibility and should be included in your daily stretching routine.

Pain-Free Parenting

You may be over the moon when a child enters the family, but you definitely don't want to land on your feet with back pain. Keep your back safe and healthy with the suggestions above, and if you still find yourself dealing with discomfort, see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. They can help you find those long-lost pain-free days.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Culver City, Calif.