Take Some Smart Steps to Avoid Back Pain
By Sandy Schroeder
If you have lived with low back pain, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. If you have never had a backache, count yourself very lucky and take steps to avoid back pain in the future. Either way, it pays to protect your back.
Count on Chiropractic
First off, find out why everyone is talking about chiropractic and learn how they can help you keep your back healthy. The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you staffs a wellness center with licensed chiropractors who help people of all ages find the best solutions for health, wellness and fitness.
When you come in, your chiropractor will explain how a healthy spine plays out in overall health. The spine keeps us mobile and the central nervous system housed inside supplies all of our brain-to-body communication.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may ease any backaches or other pains that you have, and create an overall sense of well-being. Individuals often report new energy, better sleep and clearer thinking. Benefits are unique to each individual. As you assess your benefits, you may find a weekly 15-minute spinal adjustment is the best way to stay pain-free.
At the same time, consider these tips from Harvard Health to protect your back.
Stay slim - Doctors say extra pounds may increase the risk of back pain. The more weight you carry the bigger the load for the spine. If your weight is all centered in belly fat, the center of gravity may shift, putting even more pressure on your back. Shoot for a normal BMI, body mass index, of 19 to 25, and lower your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
Work on fitness every day - Avoid low back pain by stretching and strengthening back and abdominal muscles. Work on the abdomen, back, and buttocks muscles. Keep hip flexor and abdominal muscles strong to maintain good upright posture. Consider biking, walking or swimming to keep the back healthy.
Don't smoke - Lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and lung cancer, and protect your back by not smoking. Researchers say nicotine increases back pain by impacting the flow of blood to the spine and accelerating the loss of bone, raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Stop carrying so much - All of us lug a lot stuff in backpacks and totes. To make matters worse, we often sling the load over one shoulder. Carry only what you need and distribute the load to both shoulders or hands. Add wheels for heavy loads and always bend from the knees when picking up packs.
When you are ready to start protecting your back, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance. Clinics are open weekends and evenings, and no appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbus, Ga. .