Need Relief from an Aching Back? Chiropractic Helps
By Sandy Schroeder
An aching back can ruin a day or sabotage a whole weekend. If your back aches more and more at the end of the day, it may be time to do something about it.
First, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to assess the problem and find the best natural, drug-free solutions. The Joint’s doctors of chiropractic help individuals find pain relief and health and wellness every day.
Your chiropractor will assess your back pain and review your health history. A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may provide far-reaching pain relief and an overall sense of wellness. Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may help to keep you pain-free. At the same time, you and your chiropractor can work on additional ways to keep your back healthy.
HarvardHealth recommends these steps.
Watch Your Weight
Extra pounds can put a strain on the back and abdominal fat can shift your center of gravity, putting more pressure on your spine. Make sure your body mass index (BMI) is in the normal range of 19 to 25. If your BMI is higher, start exercising more and eating a healthier diet.
Strengthen the Back with Exercise
Stretching and strengthening the back and abdominal muscles will build support for the spine. Emphasize the abdomen, back and buttock muscles in daily workouts. If you sit at work all day, do five-minute stretches or walks every hour. Pick aerobic sports that are safe for your back such as bicycling, swimming and walking. Be careful with high impact sports such as aerobic dance, ballet and tennis. Check with your doctor before beginning new exercises.
Watch What You Are Toting
We are a mobile society and most of us carry a lot in backpacks, totes and large fashion bags. Take a quick check of what you and your kids are toting and eliminate all of the extras. Make sure backpacks have padded double straps to divide the load and lots of zippered pockets. Reduce the size of fashion totes and divide the load with two smaller bags. For heavy loads use totes with wheels.
Learn How to Protect Your Back
- Keep moving, stretching and shifting positions to relieve pressure on the back
- At work, sit with feet flat on the floor with knees a bit higher than the hips
- When vacuuming, do five- to 10-minute chunks interspersed with other activities
- When lifting children or objects, stand close and use your legs to power the lift
- Never bend from the waist to pick up items
- If something is too heavy, get help to lift it
Visit The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to learn more about their affordable personal healthcare plans that eliminate the need for insurance. Clinics are open weekends and evenings. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.