 Back pain affects millions of people each year. While it’s often written off as part of the aging process or unavoidable, there are a lot of common everyday habits that contribute to its prevalence. By breaking these habits , although it’s not always easy , you drastically decrease your odds of suffering from back pain in the future. Here are four factors to keep in mind to avoid back pain. Slouching and A Sedentary LifestyleSlouching is all-too-common, especially among those that work in office jobs. Sitting in front of a computer all day is uncomfortable. It’s an unavoidable fact. You’re bound to shift positions throughout the day and, unfortunately, using a computer for 8+ hours every day will distract you as you shift into unhealthy positions without even realizing it. Shoulders cocked forward, leaning in, and head held forward — the worst possible position to work in all day. Experts estimate that you add an additional 10 pounds of weight for your spine to support with every inch you hold your head forward. Over time, this wear and tear will cause severe and lasting damage. There are a few steps you can take to stop slouching. If you notice you’re slouching, stop doing so immediately. Sit up straight, feet flat on the ground and head held high while working. Also, take frequent breaks to do some simple stretches or go for a walk. Once you’re off work, don’t continue to be sedentary! Instead, try working out, going for a light jog, or walking. Get the blood flowing and stand up straight. And lastly, look into an ergonomic chair. Many manufacturers realize the importance of good posture and have created perfectly affordable chairs so you can sit comfortably without sacrificing your spine. ObesityBeing overweight is one of the most significant causes of back pain in Americans because it heavily restricts movement. When you’re obese or overweight, you lose flexibility and the ability to bend the spine, which it needs to do to stay limber. Obesity contributes to joint and muscle stiffness, creating weakness and fragility in the spine. Additionally, the spine is also responsible for carrying most of a person’s weight. Excess weight and a weakening spine create a perfect storm for conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. To start improving your spinal health, it’s essential to take care of other aspects of your body. People tend to forget that the body is interconnected; by improving one thing, you improve other things. Simply by eating healthier, quitting smoking, and getting some exercise, you’ll drastically improve your overall health, and your spine will thank you! Improper Lifting TechniquesWorking out and improving your overall health is vital to your spine’s integrity, but don’t forget that you need to work out properly! Whether you work in general labor or go to a gym, know that lifting with your back is highly unsafe and can lead to serious injury. To learn more about proper lifting techniques in any situation, let your legs do all the work. Never Seeing A ChiropractorWe might be biased, but the truth is unavoidable: chiropractic is the best drug-free, non-invasive and safest treatment of back pain, strengthening the spine and avoiding future injuries. Schedule a consultation today to begin a road to a healthier you.
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