Living with back pain? You shouldn’t simply endure the condition. Back pain negatively affects your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to serious health consequences, and may affect your performance at work and your personal life. If you have back pain, it’s best to address it at the onset and get immediate relief and long-term healing from a reputable New York spine doctor.
Needless to say, the best cure is prevention. Your back can be one of the most overworked parts of your body, and stress generally affects the major pressure points in your spine, neck and shoulders. The back may be out of sight and so it tends to be out of mind, so it’s important to make a conscious effort not to neglect it – your body will thank you for your consideration.
Leading spine doctors offer the following tips that allow you to maintain the strength and good health of your back:
Be conscious of your body movements and positions. A wrong maneuver or a sudden wrong twist can already cause a major injury to your spine. Make sure you bend, reach for and carry objects the right way. When lifting a heavy object situated on the floor, for instance, draw strength from your legs rather than your back, and carry it up from a kneeling position rather than bending from the waist. As always, keep your back straight while standing, sitting or walking.
Maintain your ideal weight. Excess pounds can put your back, particularly your spine, under undue strain. The pressure is especially intense on the muscles and tendons located in your lower back, especially if the extra fat is focused on the belly area. The good old combo of eating right and exercising regularly can keep off the unwanted weight.
Give your body a break. Help your body heal and repair itself by making sure that you get deep, restful sleep every night. Invest in a bed, mattress and pillows that are comfortable, provide you adequate support and ensure the proper alignment of your spine, neck and shoulders.
Move and stretch. Stay active by working out. Focus on exercisesthat allow you to stretch your muscles and loosen the tightness in your joints and tendons.You may enroll in a workout program, do low-impact exercise such as swimming, or simply keep busy withphysical activities such as gardening or doing chores around the house. These activities keep your back muscles strong and flexible.
Invest in an ergonomic workspace. If working long hours in your desk can’t be avoided, make sure to at least choose a chair and table that are designed to help you ease into comfortable positions that are less stressful on your back. Put the computer at a level and position that’s correctly aligned with your body, and make it a habit to break up your workday with several rest periods.
Listen to your body. If you are bothered by any kind of pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor without delay. Consult a spine care professional so you can get correct and urgent help and prevent the injury from getting worse.
