If you have ever experienced back pain, you will know it can vastly impact your life. Completing everyday activities can become almost impossible when you have back pain. You may find it hard to get relief from your symptoms no matter how many treatment methods you try.
Having a healthy back is something almost everyone takes for granted until a problem strikes. But, taking preventative action to protect your back is the best way to avoid future issues and ensure you keep back pain at bay. Unfortunately, the hectic pace of modern life can make it challenging to take care of your back. From lifting the kids and being pregnant to working at a desk for long periods, there are many everyday situations that lead to back pain or aggravate existing back problems. Sometimes, a sudden movement is all it takes for back pain to flare up.
Back pain is not one single condition. Instead, it is a generic term given to describe a range of problems such as herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. Some back conditions can also impact other parts of the body, such as sciatica foot pain, making back issues even more challenging to live with. So, how do you protect your back and keep it healthy? Read on to discover some top tips to help you avoid back pain.
Work on Your Core
Strengthening your core is crucial to protecting your back and can help to reduce the risk of lower back pain and to improve existing pain. Exercises that focus on your core can be highly beneficial. But, it is essential to discuss your plans to exercise with your doctor before you start a new exercise regimen to avoid further problems.
Exercises such as pilates are especially helpful for back pain as they work the core muscles. So joining a pilates class could be a great way to get started and learn the movements you need to strengthen your back.
Protect Your Posture
Avoiding sitting down for long periods is a good idea. Being sat working at a desk all day long causes vertical pressure on your spine, and this leads to your spinal discs becoming compressed. Many people find themselves leaning over their computers and slouching when sat working for many hours at a time. Being mindful of your posture and taking regular breaks from your seated position should help alleviate the pressure on your back.
Exercise Frequently
As well as strengthening your core and improving your posture, getting plenty of exercise is also beneficial for your back. Exercise offers multiple benefits to your spine. Firstly, exercise helps people to lose weight, and weight loss can improve existing back pain in people that are overweight. Secondly, being active helps prevent the back muscles from becoming stiff and weak. Stiff muscles can be a cause of back pain, so to avoid this, incorporating exercise into your daily activities is a great idea; even if it is just walking, you should notice some benefits.
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