Simple Steps to Manage Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Have you had to give up a hobby you enjoyed or missed work because of back pain? Maybe you have trouble sleeping at night or enjoying activities you used to because of issues you’re experiencing with your back. If that sounds like you, then rest assured you are not alone. You have an 80 percent chance of experiencing back pain somewhere down the road in your life, and back pain sits at the top of the list of reasons for disability, too. It’s a pretty big problem, but what can be done to avoid it? Here are a few simple steps you can take to help manage your back pain.
Stay at a Healthy Weight
It’s no secret that many people struggle with excess body weight. Being obese or overweight has been correlated with back pain and several other serious health concerns such as diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. It’s the single biggest contributor to back pain since any excess weight disturbs the natural curves of your spine. Excess weight also puts a strain on your other joints, leading to degeneration and pain.
If you struggle with your weight, then you should discuss it with your chiropractor. Remember, their interest lies in helping you to be healthy and happy in every aspect, not just merely treating back pain. They may have some solid suggestions about your lifestyle and diet that can help.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad for every aspect of your health, though you may be surprised to find out that smoking is also associated with an increase in the development of back pain. Smoking causes blockages in the small arteries in your body, making it more difficult for the structures in your spine to get the nourishment they need to stay healthy. It also delays healing, so small problems can become much larger problems down the road.
Improve Your Posture
All that nagging by your grandmother to sit up straight was actually not nagging at all, but a show of real concern for your overall health and well-being. That’s because your posture has a huge impact on your health and poor posture is a huge contributor to back pain. Work with your chiropractor to help discover what your posture issues might be and correct them in order to help you avoid back pain in the future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.