Tips for Avoiding Back Pain
By Paul Rothbart
Being in pain is never fun and back pain can be the most debilitating. It makes everything difficult. Even just sitting at your desk trying to work can be nearly impossible if your back hurts. There are many things that can bring on pain in your back. Naturally, you want to avoid these and thus the pain. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to minimize the risk of your back hurting.
Practice Good Posture
Posture is important and not just for appearances. Slumping and slouching put an unnatural curve in the spine and can cause subluxations and compressed discs. These conditions are common causes of pain. Whether standing or sitting, keep your back straight and your head up. Pulling your shoulders down and back will also help keep your spine in a natural position. With some diligent practice, good posture will become second nature and your back will thank you.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Many people are carrying some extra pounds. Being overweight puts extra stress on your body and this includes the spine. By making the effort to get down to a healthy weight, you can take that extra load off your spine and relieve back pain.
Get Exercise
An inactive body tends to stiffen up. Tight muscles can cause pain and don't support the weight of the body optimally. By getting regular exercise, your muscles become stronger and more flexible. They are then better able to aid the spine in supporting your body weight and this can help relieve back pain.
Sleep Position
When you sleep, you spend about eight hours in one position. If you are lying with an unnatural spinal curve, it has the same effect as poor posture. You can wake up with back pain that may last all day. It's important to find a position that is comfortable yet keeps your spine straight. If you like to sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees may be helpful. Ergonomic pillows that keep the neck vertebrae aligned can also keep your spine positioned properly.
See a Chiropractor
When it comes to treating and preventing back pain, a chiropractor may be your best bet. Chiropractic care is all about finding subluxations and other problems and adjusting them. Many people find relief from their pain and with continued visits, help with preventing recurrences. Chiropractor care can also increase mobility and make staying active and maintaining a healthy weight easier.
Having pain in your back is no way to go through life. Take the steps to avoid it and consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. You may find that seeing a chiropractor becomes one of your best weapons in the battle against back pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Angelo, Tex.