Your Aching Back!
By Sara Butler
Hobbies are great for your body and your mind, but sometimes they can be a literal pain in the back. Whether you enjoy getting out on the green to play some golf or simply digging in the dirt to weed your garden, it's important to be aware of how your activities can impact the health of your spine. Here's what the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to know about back pain and what you can do to care for your back while still enjoying special activities in your life.
The Causes of Back Pain
According to the American Chiropractic Association, statistics aren't on your side when it comes to back pain. You have an 80 percent chance of experiencing it at some point -- which aren't great odds in your favor!
The most common causes of back pain include things such as:
- Injuries - Traumatic experiences such as car accidents, falls, and even sport-related injuries can result in both long- and short-term back pain
- Strains and sprains - Everyday activities can strain a ligament or muscle that supports your back and can cause pain. Twisting, lifting objects improperly or are too heavy, and abrupt movements can result in back pain.
- Sciatica - Something as simple as sitting on your wallet when you drive your car can aggravate the nerve in your lower back that runs down both your legs, the sciatic nerve. If this nerve is irritated or becomes compressed it can result in pain in your back and legs.
- Disc degeneration - As you get older, so does your back. This means that the discs that help to cushion the bones in your spine wear down and become less flexible, resulting in a decrease in their ability to do their job and protect the nerves in your spine. This condition often results in chronic pain.
What You Can Do
Back pain prevention is something everyone should work on in order to help them avoid becoming a statistic. The chiropractors at The Joint can help you identify habits that may lead to back pain down the road or things you may be doing now that are causing back and neck pain for you. Aside from regular chiropractic care you can also:
- Exercise daily
- Eat a balanced diet to help maintain a healthy weight
- Practice good posture
- Keep aware of your ergonomics when you're at work or home
- Ask for help when lifting heavy objects
- Learn how to lift properly
- Drink plenty of water each day
If you have questions or concerns about back pain in your life, the chiropractors at The Joint are great resources!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.