It is highly likely that in some point in your life you have experienced back pain. It is the second most common reason why one would visit the doctor. Back pain can strike in different ways. This may include a persistent dull ache, or a sudden sharp pain. It can be brought about due to several reasons such as a sprain, fracture, accidental injury, disease or medical condition.
The positive side of back pain is that in most cases, it usually subsides within a few days or weeks, with surgery being the least common course of action. In this article, we shall be discussing some healthy tips to help you battle back pain and keep it at bay.
Exercise
You may be under the impression that when you are suffering from back pain, the logical way forward would be to avoid exercise and physical activity. Whilst this may be the case for the first day or two, lack of exercise may not help in reducing the pain. Physical activity can contribute in easing inflammation and muscle tension.
Weight management
Gaining a few extra pounds may be deemed as harmless. Wrong! Apart from the obvious health detriments, gaining weight can lead to more strain on the lower back.
Stop smoking
Smokers are more likely to suffer from back pain. The reason for this is because this activity reduces the flow of nutrients to the spinal discs.
Best sleeping positions
Your sleep patterns may be behind your back pain. If this is becoming an issue, you should speak to a doctor regarding the best sleeping positions based on the pain you are experiencing.
Keep tabs on posture
One of the most common drivers of back pain is bad posture. In an age where we spend most hours on a computer chair in front of a screen, inadequate posture may easily creep in, leading to a negative outcome. As a rule of thumb, you should maintain a straight posture whilst seated.
Caution when lifting
Lifting may be a dangerous activity. Do not bend over from the waist to lift. This is all the more important when it comes to heavy objects. The right way to lift is by bending the knees, squatting and holding the object close to your body, whilst standing up to lift.
Keep your wallet light
When your wallet is heavy, this may contribute to back pain. As much as possible, try keeping it light.
Have you ever experienced significant back pain? Any recommendations to make? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
