Ways to Treat Your Low Back Pain
By Paul Rothbart
Low back pain plagues thousands of people across the country. There are just so many different occupations, activities, and lifestyles that can contribute to a sore back. Heavy lifting, sitting all day, standing all day, driving all day. It doesn't leave many options that can't affect the low back. You don't have to suffer in silence. There are things you can do to ease low back pain and help prevent it from recurring.
Strength and Flexibility
Stronger, more flexible back muscles are less likely to be damaged and thus, less likely to cause pain. Doing daily stretches each day for the back will increase flexibility. You can do them in the morning to start the day, or if you prefer, later in the afternoon and evening when your body is warmed up. Be sure to do them slowly and carefully and stop if you feel pain. Core exercises such as planks and leg lifts are great for increasing the strength of the low back and the abdominals, which work together with the back. Tai chi, yoga, and Pilates are also excellent disciplines that can keep the low back strong and pain-free.
Good Posture
One of the biggest contributors to low back pain is poor posture. Keeping the spine curved while slouching and slumping can cause subluxations in the discs. Focus on keeping the back straight, shoulders back, and head up when standing or sitting. Balance your weight over both feet and walk with even strides. This helps to prevent disc issues and as a nice side bonus, will often increase your confidence. Good posture also makes physical activities feel easier, as the body is functioning the way it's intended to.
See a Chiropractor
Since low back pain is commonly tied to subluxations and other problems with the spine, it makes sense to try chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained to find and adjust these issues, improving the health of the back, and easing the pain. A chiropractor can also work on the joints and other parts of the body. They treat the body as whole, getting it to function properly. This gets to the source of the pain which helps prevent it from recurring. Seeing a chiropractor may be the best solution to low back pain.
Pain in the lower back is common but that doesn't mean it can't be treated. Practice good posture, build strength and flexibility and consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed and you may find that regularly seeing a chiropractor is the foundation for a healthy lower back.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.