Are You Working Up to a Back Problem?
By Sandy Schroeder
Researchers say 80 percent of adult workers run into back pain at some point in their lives. If you have encountered back pain, you know how much of an impact it can have both mentally and physically. On the job it may affect your work, or trigger extended sick days. At home it may limit your ability to do household tasks.
What Causes Back Pain
Fitforwork.org tell us inflammation, pinched nerves and minor strains are responsible for majority of back pain cases. Some of the frequent triggers are:
- Stress
- Overstretching
- Poor sitting posture in a chair for long periods of time
- Twisting or bending too far
- Driving for long stretches without breaks
- Repetitive muscle strain from sports or heavy lifting
Other more serious back pain causes are sciatica with numbness and tingling in one leg, whiplash with neck pain and headaches, arthritis and pain caused by a spinal fracture.
Some jobs put workers at a greater risk for back pain:
- Long distance drivers
- Manual workers who lift heavy weights
- Office workers who sit at computers for long periods
- Beauticians who stand and bend over clients all day
How Your Chiropractor Can Help
If you have back pain, or simply want to learn how to avoid the whole issue, The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you may have answers. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors help people of all ages find pain relief without prescription medications or surgery.
When you come in, your chiropractor may use a gentle targeted spinal adjustment to assess your spinal health and relieve pain. Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may prove to be the way to stay pain-free and work on related issues.
Drop extra pounds – Excess weight puts more pressure on the back.
Exercise daily – Walk, swim, bike or do yoga to strengthen the back muscles creating a stronger core.
Focus on posture – Slouching can be one of the biggest hazards for people who sit at desks all day. Sitting up straight and taking hourly breaks protects the back.
Quit smoking – Scientists say smoking cuts the flow of oxygen to the spine leading to degeneration of discs in the back.
Learn to lift correctly – Never bend from the waist. Keep items close to the body and bend the knees and hips as you lift, using the legs to power the lift.
Reduce stress – Find ways to relax, letting go of stress that can accelerate back pain.
Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get started. Find out about affordable personal healthcare plans that require no insurance. Flexible weekend and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fayetteville, N.C.