How to Prevent Back Pain
Ouch! Back pain affects almost everyone at some time or the other. It can be triggered by a variety of factors including everyday activities. While it can be difficult to live with a back pain, there are several ways to prevent this annoying condition.
How Back Pain Happens
There are several reasons – from stress to injuries, anything can be a reason for back pain. However, in most cases, the causes of back pain are an everyday activity that is done incorrectly. For example, sitting in front of a computer for hours on end or lifting heavy objects can all cause back pain. In most cases, you only need to make a few adjustments to your posture and routine to prevent back pain.
Here are some effective ways to prevent back pain.
Get Physically Active
Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing lower back pain because our muscles are designed to move. People leading a sedentary lifestyle may feel back pain even while performing a simple activity like lifting a bag. Exercise also makes our joints fluid. What’s more, people who exercise regularly are less likely to put on weight. Since being overweight is a risk factor for back pain, keeping your weight under control is an effective way to prevent back pain.
If you eat right, you are unlikely to put on weight. Also, a healthy diet will keep your intestines and nervous system happy. If your stomach is working properly, your spine will also work properly. It is not a mere coincidence that most people who complain of back pain have irritable bowels as well.
You are not doing your spine a service when you sleep on your back. Make sure that your pillow and mattress provide adequate support. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining good health.
Maintain Good Posture
Back pain affects most people who work at their computers for long hours. Most of the time, they fail to maintain good posture. They slouch over their PC and don’t understand what damage they are doing to their spine. By simply maintaining a good posture, back problems can be avoided to a great extent. Make sure that you have an ergonomically designed workstation. Also take a short break every couple of hours. Good posture will also help us to maintain our natural curves.
When you are stressed out, your muscles become tensed. Constant tension can actually result in back pain. Practice stress reduction activities like Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Smoking is an important cause of cancer and heart disease. It also causes back pain. If you already have a bad back, smoking will make it worse. It is not exactly clear how smoking causes back pain. Some scientists believe that this could be the result of the narrowing of blood vessels. Narrowed vessels cannot carry enough nutrients and oxygen to the spine. This makes your spine more prone to injuries.
By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can prevent back pain. However, if none of these measures improve your condition, do not hesitate to consult a doctor because back pain can also be the symptom of a serious underlying condition.
Get started on the journey back to being you. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get started on the road to recovery. We run individualized programs for physical therapy in McAllen, Mission, Rio Grande City, and Weslaco, Texas.