Smart Ways to Protect Your Lower Back & Avoid Injury
Anyone who has suffered through lower back pain will tell you how completely life changes when lower back pain takes over.
Chiropractors will tell you why the lower back is so prone to injury. According to SpineHealth, the lower back endures the most strain as the spine twists and bends. Fifty percent of bending forward occurs at the hips, and fifty percent occurs in the lower back. Most lower back pain is caused by muscle strain that can create severe pain.
I have seen what can happen. Active individuals went from nonstop schedules to barely moving. Everything was a painful effort, and the drop back in life was startling. Work hours ground to a halt. Weekend trips vanished and the individual’s mood just seemed to collapse as they looked for relief and ways to get their lives back.
SpineHealth suggest ways to protect the lower back.
Exercise. Strengthening core muscles provides support for the lower back and avoids injury. Moderate aerobic activity like walking increases blood flow to the spine, which supplies healing nutrients and hydration to the discs.
Correct posture. Poor posture places pressure on the lower back, and can cause degenerated discs to be more painful. Support the natural curve in the lower with an ergonomic chair, doing posture checks and exercises, and moving at least once an hour.
Lift heavy objects correctly. Keep heavy objects close to the body and never twist as you are lifting. Never bend from the waist when picking things up and get help if an object is too heavy.
Be an informed athlete. Take the time to learn about your sport and understand the dangers, and safety measures that prevent injury.
Stay healthy. Stay hydrated, drink moderately and stop smoking.
Know how to travel safely protecting your back on long flights and always driving defensively on the road.
Stretch your hamstrings. Tight hamstrings can trigger low back pain. Do simple hamstring stretches to lower the pressure on your pelvis and provide relief for your lower back.
Visit Your Chiropractor Now
If you have lower back pain don’t wait, see your doctor and your chiropractor now. The chiropractor will start with a spinal adjustment to evaluate spinal health and pain. A complete medical history will be reviewed and a diagnosis will be made. The chiropractor’s goal in solving pain and restoring activity will be to never use pain medications or surgery.
Together, you and the chiropractor will define a program that tackles your back pain looking for the best ways to solve the pain and return you to your regular activities. Weight loss, relaxation therapy, new exercises and stress deleting classes may all be part of the program that works. Make an appointment now.
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