Back Away From Back Aches
Ask anyone who’s been laid up for a few days with a backache and they’ll tell you that it’s one the worst experiences of their lives. You’re in pain, you’re uncomfortable, you cannot move around as you’d like to, and worse, you have to stay in bed for prolonged periods of time. You can safe yourself a whole load of trouble and avoid problems of the back and the spine if you follow a few routine precautions as you go about your daily life.
- Make sure your mattress is firm and that you use a pillow that supports your head without elevating it too much. The right kind of mattress does not sag when you lie down; rather, it fits to the contours of your body.
- Do not lift heavy objects using your back; instead, use the strength in your thighs to raise objects that are on a lower level. Squat instead of bending and hold the object close to your body to prevent strain on your back.
- If you’re a woman, avoid high heels as they cause an unnatural posture which can lead to back aches over a period of time.
- If you’re overweight or tending to become obese, you’re prone to back problems. Start a diet and fitness program to reduce weight so that the stress on your back is reduced.
- Don’t stand for long periods of time. If your work involves a lot of standing, widen your stance and keep shifting your weight from one leg to the other.
- If you work at a desk all day, make sure your posture is right. Don’t hunch over your seat. Use comfortable chairs that support your back.
- If you’re traveling long distances, take a short walk every hour or so to keep your blood circulating freely. Don’t slouch in your seat or sleep sitting with your back at an uncomfortable angle.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags or purses for long periods of time.
- Don’t carry weight that’s too heavy for your body weight.
- Stop smoking so that your body receives an adequate amount of oxygen to prevent aches and sprains.
- Stay in good shape with exercises and sports to prevent back aches. Remember to warm up well before you exercise or play a game and warm down after you’re done to prevent sports-related injuries.
- Make your home safe to prevent accidental falls that can cause serious injury to your back. Ensure that your floors are not slippery and that liquids that are spilt are mopped up immediately.
A back ache can become chronic and make your life miserable; so take great care to ensure that you don’t have to live with one.
