Back pain can range in severity from being merely annoying to being significant enough where you are unable to move and have to lay in bed for days. Back pain continues to be a top reason for visits to doctors’ offices and missed workdays, and 80% of all people experience back pain at some point in their lives. There are many reasons behind an episode of back pain. For example, you may accidentally strain your back when lifting heavy furniture or twisting around too suddenly to pick up a fallen cell phone. However, it’s important to remember that back pain can be cumulative, and often the incident that incites your back pain is only the last straw. Sometimes, your daily lifestyle may be the real reason behind (pun intended) your back pain. 

How To Prevent Or Reduce Back Pain 

Back pain can affect your life in many ways. While back pain isn’t always entirely preventable, certain lifestyle factors play a role and there are things you can do to reduce your symptoms or the risk of future back pain.

Stay Active

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again; keep yourself moving! A body that moves more is more flexible, mobile, and overall healthy. When your body is used to movement, the tendons and ligaments are less likely to tear under stress. For a pain-free, healthy back, you need to incorporate regular activity and movement into your lifestyle. Some lifestyle strategies to try in order to minimize your back pain include:

• Not sitting still for long periods of time
• Combining anaerobic and aerobic exercises
• Stretching your entire body, including your back, before you exercise or attempt another physical activity
• Trying comprehensive, low-impact exercise formats like pilates, yoga, or tai chi
• If your mobility is limited, try swimming or riding a stationary bike
• Putting into place a daily walking routine

You can also consult with your physician for some specific exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles in your abdomen, back, and hamstrings

Improve your form and posture

Cohesive body mechanics and good posture are key in discouraging back pain and injury. Jerky movements that result in sudden strains or jolts can position your back awkwardly and end up injuring you. Try not to cause additional damage to your back by practicing proper body mechanics. For example, when you stand, you should stand straight and put weight on your feet to minimize the risk of injury and irritation. 

Stay Healthy

A healthy body is much less prone to back pain. Staying in good physical condition and eating a well-rounded diet will help you reduce the risk or symptoms of certain conditions that can result in back pain. Plus, even if you suffer a back injury, you will heal faster if your body is already in a healthy state.

Seek Appropriate Medical Support

You should seek help for back pain flare-ups as soon as you start experiencing them, so that they don’t lead to further complications down the line. Get checked out whenever new pain flares up or existing pain changes or worsens, as there may be more serious underlying medical conditions.

Contact Us Today

Back pain is a common ailment that can often be minimized or prevented through lifestyle changes. However, if your back pain persists or worsens, you should seek medical attention. Call The Spine and Scoliosis Center to learn more about back pain or to schedule an appointment today.