Keep Back Pain at Bay With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
Approximately 31 million Americans routinely experience lower back pain. Up to 80 percent of the population will deal with back pain at some point during their lives.
If you are among these Americans, it is time to make some changes. Read on for some tips to keep your back pain in check.
Practice Good Posture
Bad habits stick with us. It is easy to become used to slouching when you sit or lean to one side while standing. However, good posture is an important part of overall spinal health and pain prevention.
If you work at a desk, sit with your back against the chair and your feet flat on the floor. Make sure you do not have to look down to see your monitor. If you stand for long periods of time, keep your stomach pulled in and your head up. If you can, rest one foot on a stool. Rotate your feet every 5-15 minutes.
Lift Correctly
Bending over at the waist to lift heavy objects can lead to restricted discs, which cause back pain. Squat with your knees bent. Hold the object close to your body as you stand. Try not to twist your body as you lift the object.
Ditch the Skinny Jeans and High Heels
These items might look nice, but they interfere with your ability to maintain proper posture. High heels shift your center of gravity and strain your lower back. Because they are so tight, skinny jeans restrict your bending abilities.
Lighten Your Wallet
It is common to stick your wallet in your back pocket and forget about it. However, if you are going to take a long car trip or sit through a long meeting, taking the wallet out of your pocket can reduce pain and discomfort. Generally, your wallet stays in the same pocket, which adds extra pressure to that side of your back. You can also remove extra cards from it to thin it out.
Visit the Chiropractor
Adapting good habits might decrease your back pain, but it will most likely not go away without chiropractic treatment. Your chiropractor can find the source of your back pain and start you on a treatment plan to address the problem.
Taking care of your back with healthy habits combined with regular chiropractic care will give you a life with decreased back pain. Head to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to learn more about how to treat your back pain. The Joint's affordable prices and walk-in visits make care accessible to everyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.