Back pain is nearly ubiquitous with about 4 in 5 people experiencing this condition during their lifetime. So how can you remain in the minority and keep back pain at bay? We're going to give you five helpful tips to stop back pain before it starts. The good thing is that all of these tips can also help you recover from back pain if you are already suffering from it, so don’t give in to despair if you have this problem.
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The stronger your back is, the less likely you are to suffer an injury. Exercise, especially exercise that strengthens your core is a must. While you should always consult a physician before starting a new exercise program, there are some things that can help to ensure you don’t strain anything. After all, no one is going to want to maintain an exercise program that leads to injuries.
Try a graduated exercise program. This often involves starting with light exercises such as stretching and gradually working your way up into things like cardio and weightlifting. Also, exercise is a good way to maintain a healthy weight (see our next point). There are apps that can help you go from a sedentary lifestyle to being ready for a 5k run in just a few hours per week. So regardless of what may have held you back in the past, now is the time to get active.
We’re not talking about starving yourself to fit into a certain body style that people mistakenly view as attractive. This is about being healthy. The more weight your bones and muscles have to carry, the more prone you will be to pain and injuries. A good program of daily exercise along with healthy foods can help you to keep back pain at bay. Eat more fresh foods and fewer fast foods. Trade sugary sodas for water.
Don’t forget that being too thin can also affect the bones, muscles, and soft tissue that supports the spine in a negative way. That is why we use the term “healthy weight”. Being too thin is just as unhealthy as carrying around too much weight, especially when it comes to your back.
This is one of those things that you hear from the time you are a kid, but because the effects of poor posture sneak up on a person so gradually, we often ignore the warnings until it is too late. One of the places that most people need to be on guard against poor posture is at work, particularly in an office environment. Everything from the height of computer monitors to the quality of your chair will make a big difference when it comes to back pain. Also, be sure to take breaks at the right times. A few tips include:
There are a few ways to take the strain off your back when you are lifting something heavy. By implementing these suggestions, you may be able to save yourself from a back injury.
If the atlas (C1 vertebra) becomes misaligned, it can create changes all throughout the spine as the body compensates to keep the head properly balanced. The location of the greatest changes is where the pain will occur. For many, this is in the lower back region, and may even involve nerve irritation such as sciatica.
Correcting the misalignment that is acting as the underlying issue is the key to long-term relief. Upper cervical chiropractors are subspecialists in the field of chiropractic who focus on the atlas. We take precise measurements using diagnostic imaging methods and then calculate gentle adjustments. There is no popping or twisting motion involved. Low force corrections are safe and last longer, making this a cost-effective therapy.
For some patients, this may correct spinal issues before they develop into pain. If you are already in pain, this could be the key to genuine relief. So be sure to search for an upper cervical chiropractor near you and schedule a consultation. Your visit may be the first step down the path to better overall health and well-being. And for those who are in pain, it may be the natural form of care you have been searching for.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.