If your job requires you to lift heavy items or sit in front of a computer all day, you’ll probably have to deal with back pain sooner or later. Those aren’t the only reasons for it to appear. However, in this day and age, bad posture and not enough physical activity are quite common issues that do lead to back problems. Fortunately, there are many methods that could help you relieve that pain. So, if you want to improve your back health, here are six things you should try.
Step away from the screen
We all know that sitting in front of a TV or computer for too long is bad. The consequences can start sooner than most people think; even kids can suffer from back pain if they spend too much time playing video games. So, make an effort to limit the time in front of the screen as much as possible, and spend more time doing physical activities. Of course, there are always things you can’t do without the computer, like doing research or making a presentation. However, even then, you should make frequent breaks and practice good posture.
Think about the ergonomics
Another thing you should do besides take breaks is ensure that your work area is ergonomically correct. This means that your chair should be comfortable with good lower back support, your screen should be at eye level, and your keyboard shouldn’t hurt your arms while using it. Also, while working, you should keep your elbows close to your body, and you should do your best to keep your forearms and wrists parallel to the floor. Making your workspace more back-friendly can do wonders for your back, especially if your work requires you to use your computer for longer than a few hours.
Consult a professional
Sometimes, the source of your back pain could be some spinal injury. If the pain you feel is unbearable to the point of affecting your daily life, you should definitely see a doctor. For example, an experienced neurosurgeon like Timothy Steel could help you deal with your pain. Of course, every spine surgery is scary and risky, which is why it’s important to choose a good doctor whom you can trust.
Try low-impact exercise
Exercising is probably the last thing you want to do while in pain. However, regular physical activity is very important for your back health. Plus, it doesn’t have to be anything extremely demanding; even moderate exercise can help reduce back pain. So, consider going for a walk in the park, swimming, doing yoga, and cycling. Those exercises would keep your body in shape, and they can strengthen your back muscles so you would feel less pain.
Sleep well
Maintaining proper posture is not important just while sitting and walking; there are some sleeping positions that can harm your spine. In other words, the way you sleep can influence your back health as well. The fetal position is the best sleeping position for lower back pain. Just make sure to place a small pillow under your neck and between your legs to keep your spine aligned. Also, you should check the mattress you sleep on, as it shouldn’t be too soft.
Think about the little things
Even the little things can help you relieve some back pain. For instance, don’t carry too many things in your purse or bag. If you have a backpack, wear it on both shoulders. Also, whenever you need to pick something up, use your knees and not only your back. In short, adjust your lifestyle to your needs, and you should feel the difference.
Back pain can affect your lifestyle in many ways, depending on how bad it is. However, there are also ways to get rid of that pain or at least reduce it to a more bearable level. So, consider the above-listed suggestions, make small changes in your daily routine, and if there aren’t any improvements, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
About the Author:
Stella Van Lane is a Sydney based writer and Home Design Consultant.
Content & Image Credits: Author
