Don't Get Back Pain From Inactivity

By Donna Kostiew

One common aspect we all love about summertime is that we can finally participate in so many of those fun, outdoor activities that we love. Hiking, tennis, water sports, gardening … really, the list could go on and on. It’s easy to stay busy during the summer months. It’s easy to keep moving when the sun is calling out and the temperatures are teasing that wild spirit within us.

Being active is in our nature; we were meant to move. So now that summer is drawing to a close, it’s important to remember that the lack of physical activity throughout the winter months has the potential to negatively affect your back and neck.

Back Pain from Inactivity

The second our summer vacations are over, many of us tend to go back to the bad habits we left behind in spring. We sit at desks staring at our computers for work. We spend our lunch break slouching over our cell phones.  We come home in the evening to grab some downtime on our comfy couches in front of the TV. We forego the evening walks, the bike rides with our children, the golf outings on the weekends. It should be of no surprise that physical activity drops in the cooler months and that back and neck pains often increase.

Although there is a huge range of treatments available to relieve the pain, it can still be a debilitating condition that impacts every facet of your life. Of course it is better to avoid it altogether, but what proactive measures can you take in order to reduce your risk of injuries? It’s easy … anything that gets you moving!

Here are some suggestions:

• Park a little farther in the parking lot or garage
• Take a walk or walk your dog
• Stretch
• Maintain proper posture at your desk
• Take the stairs instead of an elevator
• Join your kids with their physical, interactive video games
• Check out a yoga or exercise DVD at the library to do at home
• Join a fitness class/gym

Adding some components of exercise into your schedule (especially if you are doing nothing) goes a long way to help you prevent pain and enjoy the quality of life you want! In addition to exercise, there are several other factors that contribute to your health, including nutrition, sleep, environment and heredity issues. If you choose to take a proactive stance on your health and well-being, your chiropractor is a great place to start. By  recognizing all contributing factors and focusing on maintaining your health naturally, your chiropractor will help your body resist pain and disease so that you can stay a step ahead of it all.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Portland, Oregon.