Things You Can Do When Back Pain Strikes
By Stephen R. Farris
There are many occupations in the world today that still require physical labor, including lifting heavy objects. Most of them are in the construction industry, storage facilities, moving companies, warehouse work and also in certain sports, like football and weightlifting.
As a result, it's not uncommon for workers in these occupations to experience back pain or long-term back problems. When this happens, it can lead to lost time at work, a loss in pay and limited mobility to do the things you need to or enjoy doing. Lifting improperly could lead to back strains, herniated or ruptured discs, or pulled muscles.
There are preventive measures that you could start doing in order to keep from having problems with your back, or to help relieve certain pain you could experience.
Why Exercise Can Help
Probably the last thing you feel like doing when experiencing back soreness or overall pain, is to exercise. While rest is good you don't want to do it for lengthy periods. You've got to remain active, so try some of these exercises, like swimming, cycling, walking or low-impact aerobic exercise, to help regain your mobility.
Don't Forget the Neck
Sometimes our back pain may cause us to feel pain in other places, such as shooting sensations down our arm, or into our hands and feet, legs. It could cause stiffness and aching in our neck as well. If that's the case, try doing some neck stretches. According to guidelines, the proper way to exercise the neck is to grab a chair, sit up straight and bring your chin into your chest, then move your head back looking up at the ceiling or sky. The next step is to move your right ear down to your right shoulder, then reverse the movement using your left ear and shoulder. Repeat each exercise for several minutes.
Hamstrings, Knees and Legs
There are easy hamstring exercises that can be done from a chair. However, if you are experiencing sciatica, this is one exercise to avoid. Other exercises you can try are back flexion, knee to chest and piriformis muscle stretch. Visit your local chiropractor to see what they can suggest as far as exercises to try for your back condition. They may even have literature available for you to take home and read.
And if you are in one of these occupations and feel pain and discomfort in your back, let your chiropractor know so they can discuss and set up treatment options to help you get back to better health and mobility.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.