Don't Put Too Much Strain on Your Spine!
By Sara Butler
One of the biggest contributing factors to back pain is the strain placed on your spine every day. Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is injured and inflamed. It can be caused by too much pressure being placed on the spine, dehydration, and abnormal movements. To help you avoid back pain caused by strain, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have a few helpful tips to help.
Drink Plenty of Water
You may not realize it, but dehydration can lead to back pain. That's because the discs that cushion the bones in your spine depend on water to do their job. If you don't drink enough water, then they won't be as flexible as they need to be and they won't provide the cushion they should, either. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day in order to stay hydrated and reduce your chances of experiencing back pain.
Lift Correctly
You may think that improper lifting is only a hazard for people who do it at work all day, but the truth is that one bad lift can cause damage to your back and lead to back pain. Lifting something as simple as your child or even your dog the wrong way can place unnecessary strain on your back, so learn to lift the right way in order to avoid it.
To lift anything correctly, and to push them too, use the power of your hips and legs -- never your back! Bend at your knees if you have to stoop down in order to reach it and engage your core muscles, keeping the object as close to your body as you can. If you need more tips on how to lift correctly, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint!
Work on Your Core
It's not just your back muscles that need to be strong in order to keep your back healthy, your abdominal muscles (also called the core muscles) also need to be strong for balance. These muscles assist you in lifting, pushing, twisting, and even practicing proper posture. When you exercise, make sure you include core-strengthening moves in your workout routine.
Keep at a Healthy Weight
This one can be a challenge for many people but carrying around extra pounds is difficult on your back. That's why it's important to work to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. If you can do that, then you can reduce your chance of experiencing back pain.
If you want to know more about what you can do to be a little kinder to your spine, 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 Las Vegas, Nev.