Does Back Pain Have You Down? Read This!
The best way to treat back pain is to avoid it in the first place. That may not be possible though, since the majority of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. So here are some ideas to help you prevent back pain and treat it if it does come your way.
An exercise program designed for good back health, and which prevents back pain, should feature plenty of work on the abdominal and lower back muscles. These muscle groups help maintain proper pelvic alignment and good posture, both of which are vital for avoiding back pain. The back and abdomen need to work together, so both should be exercised equally.
An inversion table is a great tool for helping people with back pain. It essentially turns you upside down and reverses the force of gravity, allowing the ideal shifting of your body, weight, and proportionate back. Therefore, it can go a long way in alleviating back pain symptoms and forcing correction.
If you suffer from back pain, remember to stay aware of your posture when sitting down. This is especially important for those who sit in an office chair all day because slumping over your desk can do a number on your spine. Remember to have the soles of your feet flat on the ground and your back as straight and upright as possible.
If you feel a spasm or pain in your back, stopping the activity causing the damage and icing the area can reduce swelling and inflammation. While sometimes injuries do not become apparent immediately, when they do, taking quick action can reduce the recovery time. Apply ice for no more than 15 minutes per hour during the first two days following an injury. Take care to protect your skin from damage while applying ice by covering it with a towel or pillowcase.
When moving an object, try to push it rather than pulling. If you need to move a large item, stand close to it while tightening your stomach muscles, and push with both arms. By pushing the item, you are using your stomach muscles, as opposed to pulling, which puts intense strain on your back, possibly causing you to injure yourself.
Sitting for long periods of time can be torture to your spine so if you must do so, break it up with frequent short walks or quick exercises! In this day and age most of us spend too much time at a desk or computer and this can really be tough on the back. Get up at least once every hour and stretch! Why not download a little program that reminds you to do this – and don’t ignore it!
This article has shared a few relatively simple suggestions to help you deal with back pain. By following the pointers you have learned, you can give yourself a better chance of avoiding back pain altogether. If it does strike you, these tips will help you to know how to treat it.