Strategies to Avoid Stressing Your Spine

Posted on March 9, 2010
Filed Under back pain | Leave a Comment

It is so easy to stress the back without being conscious that you have even done it. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take on a daily basis to help prevent your back from having to suffer from too much pressure. Here is is a look at some uncomplicated tips to help you prevent the pain that arises from straining your back.

For starters, check your posture in a full length mirror every morning. If it’s far from ideal, then work on it. Constantly remind yourself to not hunch over or slump! Bear in mind that good posture entails maintaining a neutral backbone, meaning the natural curve that your spine follows.

Engage in physical activity as regularly as possible to maintain a healthy back. Staying in shape also assists the abdominal muscles in remaining strong. When these muscles are strong and in excellent condition they help to support the backbone in performing optimally. To help you get started, try this easy stretching exercise for the back. As you are standing upright, stretch your arms above your head. Next, wrap your arms around your torso as if you’re hugging yourself. As soon as you have done this then twist your trunk first towards the left and then to the right. Be careful not to turn too far.

Be aware of what you carry around. If you happen to be one of those people who like backpacks then keep in mind that you ought to purchase one that is made of a lightweight fabric and one which boasts shoulder straps which are wide, padded and adjustable. Make sure you never carry in excess of 25 pounds in your backpack and your load should not be greater than 15 percent of the weight of your body. If it is more than that then it’s too much!

Arrange your work environment up in a back friendly manner. Buy furniture which has ergonomics in mind and fits with the way your body is. Furniture is supposed to fit you, not the other way around. When sitting in your chair your back needs to be up against the back of the chair and your knees should be at the level of your hips. If this is not the case then you might want to buy a foot stool. If your chair does not provide the support you require then consider placing a rolled towel or a compact pillow behind your lower back to give you a greater amount of support.

Back pain is a real problem in our world today. It can be a seriously debilitating condition, and it’s not always easy to treat. Learn more about what causes back pain and what the options are in treating severe lower back pain at Back Pain Management.

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