3 Things to Save Your Lower Back
By Sara Butler
Nourishing, protecting, and strengthening your lower back is vital to reducing your chances of low back pain. Seeing the chiropractors at The Joint for regular hands-on treatment is effective in caring for your back, but there are things you can do outside the chiropractor’s office to help keep your back in good shape. Here are a few easy and simple things you can do to be your lower back’s hero and save the day.
Use a Standing Desk
Did you know that sitting places three times more pressure on the structures in the lower back as standing? It’s true! That’s why too much sitting is one of the risk factors for low back pain.
To avoid sitting for too long over the course of the day, look into a standing desk. These desks allow you to keep your computer at eye level as you stand, placing less pressure on your lower back and helping to improve your overall posture too. You can even find desks that convert from a sitting to a standing desk so you can spend at least part of your day standing.
If you already suffer from lower back pain, then start out only standing for only part of the day, working to increase your stamina by adding a little more time at regular intervals.
Stretch Your Hamstrings
Tight hamstrings can wreak havoc on your lower back. That’s because the hamstrings can pull your pelvis back, transferring stress to your lower back and hips that contributes to pain. Talk to your chiropractor about gentle but effective stretches you can do to keep your hamstrings loose, then incorporate them into your daily routine. Your back will thank you!
Change Your Sleeping Position
If you sleep on your stomach, then you need to change things up! Stomach sleeping places a lot of stress on your lower back as well as your neck during the night. You must learn to sleep in a position that supports the natural curves of your spine. Talk to the chiropractors at The Joint to help you find a comfortable sleeping position that’s good for your back. They may have some handy tips about how to use pillows to help support your spine too -- so ask!
Caring for your back is a full-time job, but not one you have to do alone. Let the chiropractors at The Joint be your partner in health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.