Back Pain: The Do's and the Don'ts
By Sara Butler
If you have back pain, then you're not alone. Studies have found that a significant percentage of the population, as much as 80 percent, suffer from back pain at one point or another. If you're among that number, then there are a few things the chiropractors want you to know. A few do's and a few don'ts that can help to make your back a little more tolerable.
Do: Strengthen Your Body
If you suffer from back pain, one of the best things you can do about it to ensure you have strong muscles -- and not simply your back muscles. The muscles in your abdomen, also known as your core muscles, also play a big role in helping to take on some of the stress and strain placed on the back each day.
Muscle groups you should work on include:
- Pelvic floor muscles
- Upper and lower abdominal muscles
- Obliques on each side of your abdomen
Talk to the chiropractor if you need further tips for how to ensure these muscle groups are targeted during your workout routine.
Don't: Sleep on Your Stomach
How you sleep is a big deal and if you're sleeping on your stomach, then you need to find a better way!
Stomach sleeping causes you to turn your neck for hours at a time so you can breathe. Laying this way also flattens out the lower curve the back, placing a lot of undue pressure on your lower back as well as your neck, which can leave you in even more pain during the day.
Talk to the chiropractors at The Joint for some tips to help you transition to a new sleeping position if you're a stomach sleeper. This is a habit you can and should change.
Do: Drink Plenty of Water
Did you know that being dehydrated can actually make back pain worse? It's true!
The discs that are between the bones in your spine need plenty of water to stay flexible. If you're dehydrated, then the discs won't be able to function as they should and that can cause your back to hurt more.
Make sure you're drinking water throughout the day every day in order to ensure you're keeping your body properly hydrated. It will help every single aspect of your body to work more efficiently and help you to feel great in the process.
If you're worried about back pain, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.