Avoiding the Pains of Parenthood
By Brandi Goodman
Parenthood is a rewarding journey. It's also a very painful one if you aren't careful. Bending to pick up an infant or toddler, carrying around a car seat, having kids jumping on your back -- these are all things parents endure daily that can quickly allow pain to set in. Avoid some of the pains of parenthood by keeping some tips in mind.
Get Exercise
You're going to want to get exercise when you can so you can make sure you have a strong spine that can deal with the toll of children. Without this strength, your body has no chance of combating the regular abuse your spine will take. Core exercises are particularly helpful because they work to keep your body balanced and stabilized. This prevents backaches. Back strengthening exercises are ideal as well. You'll also want to stretch out your legs and hips to prevent discomfort in this area.
Bend at Your Knees
Just as you do with boxes, you need to pick your baby up from a squatted position with your knees bent. Bending at the knees instead of hunching the back will help to prevent a serious ache and even possible chance for injury. You should also be bringing baby close to you as you pick him or her up, rather than leaving your arms extended. You don't want to hurt your shoulders.
Skip the Hip Hold
Lots of parents balance their child on one hip as they stand and move around. This may feel comfortable at first, or give you the room you need to use your free hand, but it can do damage over time. You may find hip pain the norm if you're used to holding your child in this manner. It's better to use a carrier so your baby is protected and your hands are free to use. A front carrier with a support band is better to use because it provides even distribution of the added weight of the baby to your body.
Parenthood can be painful if you aren't taking precautions. You want to experience the joys of parenthood rather than the discomfort. Do what you can to keep your back, neck, and hip pain at bay by following these tips. You can also stop in at The Joint Chiropractic for an adjustment that can restore the spine to its natural mobility.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Milpitas, Calif.