3 Tips to Enjoy Outdoors While Protecting Your Back
By Virginia Laird
With spring in full swing, it is now time to begin planning how you may spend your free time. Much of that free time may be spent in the great outdoors. With a warm breeze blowing across your face and the warmth of the sun shining down, it can be easy to get lost in the freedom of the outdoors without a care in the world. What will you do with your time? Many may find it pleasant to jog outside, a bike ride, or even take a hike. No matter what you do outside, it is wise to find a way to protect your back while enjoying the great outdoors. Chiropractors suggest that preventing back pain can be easier than many may think. A few tips these professionals suggest to protect from back pain include:
- Carry your load in a backpack
- Include stretching prior to the activity
- Consider routine chiropractic care
Carry Your Load in a Backpack
While spending time outside, it is necessary to figure out how to carry your necessities without hurting your back. Chiropractors recommend investing in a two-strapped backpack. Carrying a purse or a bag with a single strap can put unnecessary weight on your spine. Toting your load unevenly for the length of your hike or activity can cause injury to your spine. Chiropractors not only advise investing in such a backpack but using as it is meant to be used. This means using both straps to equally distribute the weight across the back.
Include Stretching Prior to the Activity
Prepare your back for the outdoor adventure by stretching prior to your activity. Chiropractors advise that stretching prior to a hike or any other rigorous activity can help keep back pain, as well as injury, at bay. There is no need to invest in a yoga mat; a simple five minutes of stretching can do the trick.
Consider Routine Chiropractic Care
If you are one who struggles with back pain on a regular basis, there are things you can do to manage this pain so you too can enjoy the great outdoors. If this describes you, drop by your local The Joint Chiropractic in your community. There you can get started on your pain prevention plan. With no appointment necessary, getting started can be as easy as dropping by on your way home from work. With more than 400 locations nationwide, you are certain to find one near you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Ill.