Back pain is one of the most common afflictions men and women alike suffer from. Unfortunately, it’s no surprise why this is the case when considering just how many different activities and movements can contribute to slipped discs or soreness. All it takes is one wrong move and you could be stuck with chronic back pain for the rest of your life!
That being said, staying on top of the most common causes of back pain can save you from expensive surgeries or physical therapy down the road. Consider these common back breakers and always be aware of the strain you place on your spine and you’re sure to enjoy a future free of pain and discomfort in the future!
Lifting
We’ve all heard the old saying more times than we can count: “lift with your legs, not your back.” While most people have been exposed to the timeless adage, few truly comprehend just how important it is. Make sure you’re always bending at the knees when you lift and not your waist as your leg muscles are much less susceptible to damage when lifting heavy loads.
Pivoting is also a big red flag when performing weight lifting of any kind. Rotating movements leave the bones and muscles in your back highly vulnerable and are a recipe for shooting pain.
Weekends
Most nine-to-five jobs mean sitting in front of a computer for hours on end every week. Naturally, your first instinct may be to save all of your activity and movement for the weekend. Unfortunately, this full-time worker’s tradition is asking for trouble. Dialing up your back from zero to ten with no warm up in between is sure to result in some torn muscles or herniated discs. We recommend setting some time aside for simple stretches or exercise throughout the week. Not only will this help your back retain some resiliency, it will also give you more energy! You might even be able to get some of those weekend chores out of the way during the week!
Sitting, Sitting, and More Sitting
Commutes, work, computer time at home, there’s no shortage of time we spend seated in our day to day. Unfortunately, staying rooted to your chair all day can wreak havoc on your blood circulation. After enough time, the natural shock absorption your back provides becomes weaker.
It’s often recommended that you stand and move around every 20 minutes just to keep blood flowing throughout your body. If you stare at a computer all day, keep the screen at eye level to keep your spine straight. Even if your work 40 hours a week, there are steps you can take to alleviate the stress on your back!
Conclusion
Keeping your back in good health doesn’t have to consume your entire life. Keeping these simple tips in mind and integrating them into your every day can make the difference between a life of comfort and one riddled with back pain.