(Newswire.net — September 16, 2016) — Back pain is a common problem among many adult Americans. And while it is common, pain doesn’t have to be a common problem for you. There are measures you can take to minimize your chances of suffering from pain in your back, so you can keep living life to the fullest. Here are some ways you can reduce or even avoid pain and keep enjoying life.
Be Active.
Moving more can help you keep moving longer. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends participating in physical activity for at least 150 minutes each week. Some examples of great activities for the spine include walking, swimming, yoga, and pilates. These activities allow joints to work through a full range of motion, which may improve flexibility and stability in the spine. It’s also important to utilize exercise technique, as well as proper lifting technique while being active. A balanced exercise regimen including strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise can help your spine mobility improve, or at the very least, prevent pain from increasing.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reaching and/or maintaining a healthy weight can prevent added pressure from taking a toll on the disks in the lumbar spine. Added pressure on the joints can greatly increase your chances of injuring your back in the long run. Talk with your doctor about what a healthy weight looks like for you. Some ways to maintain a healthy weight include exercising, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress.
Practice good posture.
The way many people sit at their work stations on a daily basis places stress on the spine, especially the lumbar. This is a common cause of pain. and can worsen pain. Decrease stiffness in the spine and the joints by moving from your desk every hour, stretching at your desk or workstation, or using a seat that is conducive to good posture, such as an exercise ball. Your back will thank you for it!
See pain specialists early on.
If you’ve been experiencing, numbness or tingling in your legs, fever, or weakness, accompanied by pain, then it might be time to see a pain specialist. Pain specialists like Champey Pain Group can show you ways to be proactive in managing pain. An important realization for many pain sufferers is that pain cannot simply be masked by medication, its source must be identified in order to find pain management solutions.
Back pain is a common problem that impacts the lives of many people on a daily basis, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Take control of your pain by exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and seeing a pain specialist early. Your spine can be a pillar of health for years to come by following these simple guidelines!