Back Pain Prevention

Back pain is something that a lot of people experience. In fact most people will have some degree of back pain in their lifetime. A lot of the things we do every day put stress on our backs and over time can cause damage and pain. The good news is that there are many things that can be done to prevent this common injury.

Unfortunately in today’s world we spend a lot of time sitting. Whether it’s sitting at a computer, driving or watching television, if we don’t have good sitting posture we are putting a lot of extra stress on our backs. One of the main things that can be done to have better posture is to make sure that there is good low back support. The spine in the low back naturally curves inward. This curved position is the position in which the spine is most supported and there is the least amount of stress on the muscles and ligaments. Lack of low back support while we are sitting causes that curve to straighten leaves the spine in a more vulnerable position. Over time this added stress can lead to injury and pain.

If your chair or car seat does not have good support a small pillow or rolled up towel can be placed behind you to maintain the inward curve and take the stress off your low back. Having this support will help you sit up straighter and have better overall posture.

Another thing we can do to prevent extra stress on our backs and necks is to have things we are looking at directly in front of us. If your computer screen or television is off to one side you have to turn your head and upper body toward them to be able to see. Our spines are made to turn but not to stay in a tuned position for long periods of time. This position puts unnecessary stress on the spine and can lead to injury. Make sure your computer screen or television is directly in front of you and as close to eye level as possible.

Many people wake up in the morning with back and neck pain. Often times this is due to their sleeping position. Having the spine in a stressful position all night can lead to pain and injury. The best position to sleep in is on your side or on your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this is puts a lot of stress in the neck and low back. While sleeping on your side it can help to put a pillow between your knees or while on your back, putting a pillow behind your knees. This will help take stress off of the low back. While side lying it is also important to make sure your neck is supported. Make sure you have enough pillow to keep you head and neck in a neutral position, not bent to one side or another.

One final way to prevent back and neck pain is to see your chiropractor. Periodic visits to the chiropractor will help make sure that your spine is functioning properly and that you are not putting undue stress on the ligaments and muscles. He or she can also give you advice on lifestyle changes you can make and exercises and stretches to do to help prevent injuries.

Be proactive about your health and stop back pain before it occurs.

Leave a Comment