Keep it Simple: Chiropractic Treatment for Lower Back
By Gary Picariello
Your lower back is the center of your universe and everything you do, but you'll be flopping around like a minnow in a frying pan if you’re laid up in bed with a sore back! Chiropractic care, as routine care or in response to back pain, can be an important part of your healthcare plan. But even before you drop in to The Joint Chiropractic, there are some things you can do to make your life easier. After all, chiropractic care is a lot less painful as maintenance care than trying to get rid of an ache in the back. You can help yourself first without even stepping out of your home.
The Chill Pill
It’s important to get enough rest when you are bouncing back from a sore lower back (or sore anything for that matter). But let's not get carried away. Too much bed rest or time parked on the couch can make you stiff and actually do more harm than good. Almost everyone has lower back pain at some point in life. Yet with some basic self-care the pain will subside in a few days or a few weeks at the most. Just don’t overdo it.
Off the Couch and into the Gym
Studies show that people who are out of shape are at the greatest risk of suffering from lower back pain. The solution? Regular exercise! Exercise prevents back pain! And what’s more, your chiropractor may actually recommend light exercise if you recently hurt your lower back. In this case, the exercise may not be more than light stretching, but it is a start.
According to a recent report, “Exercise helps those suffering from discomfort by helping to maintain mobility.” Extra pounds will put stress on you back and exercise will get rid of it. Exercising the core muscles (abs, back, shoulders and hamstrings) stretches the back and reduces pressure on the spine while building strength that’s needed to support those muscle groups.
Shoulders Back
Make no mistake; slouching is not a good thing. Conversely, sitting too straight and for extended periods can hinder you as well. So do us a favor and take breaks throughout the day so you can stretch. Try standing for part of the day as well.
Lifting
The weight you lift is not nearly as harmful as how you lift it. You know the drill: Life with your legs and not your back. Squat close to the object, keep your back straight and head up. Push with your legs while maintaining the object close to your body. No twisting or bending at the waist.
Regular routine chiropractic care is a great source of healthcare, but there are things you can do to prevent having to go becuase of back pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your chiropractor at The Joint in Keller, Tex.