As it supports the lower and upper parts of your body, it should not be surprising that as you get older, your back is going to feel slightly uncomfortable. While bearable in some cases, such pain can eventually limit your movement and the number of things that you can do.
Your back will start to become prone to chronic pain if you are constantly carrying something heavy. Other than that, it can also be affected by various other factors such as a previous trauma or injury, or even some underlying condition that you might not be aware of.
The good news is that most back problems and pain aren’t permanent. There are some things that you can do to help lessen the discomfort and allow your body to function at its best. Here are a few tips and pointers that will help you feel more comfortable and more in tune with the foundation of your body.
Pay Attention To Your Posture
How you regularly stand and walk will affect how your back is in the future. As much as possible, you should have a straight posture. This means making sure that your shoulders form a straight line, that your back isn’t in a slouch, and that there’s a low inward arch on your lumbar area.
A good posture will help prevent heaps worth of back trouble in the future. It’s best to begin practicing your posture as soon as you can. If you’re used to slouching, it can be hard to adjust to a straight posture, but over time, it will start to feel more and more natural.
Never Lift With Your Back
A lot of back problems stem from the fact that a lot of people don’t know how to properly lift heavy objects. As the saying goes, “lift with your legs, not with your back.” This is 100% accurate, as not only are you causing strain on your back, you are potentially putting yourself at risk of getting injured as well.
If you’re about to carry an object, squat low and straighten your back. Make sure that your legs are bent at their most. The goal here is to use your leg muscles as the driving force behind carrying the object. Avoid picking up the object from a high posture, as that is where problems start to arise.
As you are lifting the object, make sure to keep your back straight and your legs strong at all times. You should never feel any pressure or strain on your back when you are carrying heavy objects properly. It makes the job easier, but most importantly, it can prevent major problems in the future as well.
Consult With A Chiropractor
You may have heard of a chiropractor before. They are special medical professionals who focus primarily on back and posture problems. Aside from adjusting your back and posture, they can also help you lessen the pain you are feeling on parts of your body as well.
When people hear the word “chiropractor,” they immediately fear it because all they know of the profession is that the doctors “snap” backs and necks as if it were a toy. In reality, the science behind the profession runs deeper than that. It’s not painful having your body readjusted. In fact, a lot of people report experiencing immediate relief after a session.
These professionals are the best people to consult with for back pain. What you might not know is that chiropractors can also help give you tips on how you can better care for your back and body. They know the body right to its core and if it’s back pain you’re having trouble with, they are more than capable of giving the relief you need.
Eat Well
Maintaining a good weight range is important too. Ideally, you’d want to stay on the average level of your BMI. The heavier your fats and muscles are, the harder it will be for your back to support them. Eating a good mix of protein, fruits, and vegetables can help you manage your weight more effectively.
Exercise Regularly
Not giving your money the proper activity it needs can cause you back pain as well. Make sure to exercise at least a few minutes regularly. If you have a gym membership, that would be a great way to start working the muscles and bones that support your back and posture.
We highly suggest not lifting weights unless you are already well aware of the proper technique and form. It’s very easy to pull a muscle or to get some serious issue by not doing your exercises regularly. If you’re a beginner, always listen to your instructors first so that they can teach you the correct forms.
It’s also worth noting that warming up before a workout is essential, too. Without a good warm-up routine, you are putting your body at risk of injuries too. Last, but not least, only do what your body can handle. Working out too many does have its drawbacks as well.
Sleep Properly
The common misconception is that the best way to sleep is flat on your back. In truth, the best way to sleep is on your side. Doing so puts lesser stress on your back throughout the night. If you can, sleep on your stomach instead. Make this comfortable by putting a pillow on your lower abdomen.
When it comes to sleeping properly, it’s important that you have a supportive mattress and pillow as well. Sleeping on a bed that’s either too hard or too soft will have serious implications for your back health. The good news is that there are many mattresses and pillows that promise better back support.
The problem with back pain is that it tends to become worse over time. It’s highly recommended to take the necessary steps to mitigate the pain as soon as you can. Some of these tips offer life-long solutions, but some of them offer only temporary relief. We highly suggest having a professional check your back for the source of the pain if it’s unbearable.