Did you know that 65 million Americans suffer from lower back pain?
Lower back pain can negatively impact your day-to-day life, whether it prevents you from playing with your kids or sitting at your work desk. There are numerous causes of lower back pain and plenty of treatment methods, but how do you prevent it in the first place?
In this post, we’re going to tell you how to prevent lower back pain. Doing the right exercises and avoiding certain activities can go a long way in preventing common lower back issues, so keep reading and stop back pain in its tracks.
Get More Exercise
Exercise can help you prevent lower back issues in a couple of different ways. First, the more weight you carry, the more strain is put on your limbs, muscles, and joints. By losing weight, you alleviate the strain on your lower back.
Performing the right types of exercises can also strengthen the muscles in your lower back. Doing things like yoga and tai chi are especially helpful in building elasticity and strength in those areas.
Stretching Matters
Building off of the above point, we can’t stress enough how important stretching is. You may be working out and doing the right exercises, but read here and you’ll see that improper exercise form can risk you injuring your lower back.
This is even true of running. The impact your lower back takes when you’re running can cause a lot of pain so look up some good lower back stretches and make them part of your running routine.
Your Sleep Position
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore lower back, then you need to reevaluate the position you sleep in. In particular, sleeping on your stomach can create a lot of strain on your lower back.
Try sleeping on your side with your legs curled up or on your back with a pillow under your knees. If you keep waking up on your stomach, try putting a pillow beneath your hips.
Your Daily Posture
Your sitting and standing posture affect your back as well. You can test your posture by standing with your heels against a wall. If your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and the back of your head touch the wall as well, your posture is okay.
When you step away, does your posture change? If so, you need to slowly alter it to gradually stop back pain.
Watching Ergonomics
Set up your desk chair to be more ergonomically sound. Your knees should be above your hips, while the back of the chair should be at a 110-degree angle. Always sit upright and try not to slouch while you’re typing.
If you’re having trouble with this, try purchasing a desk chair with extra back support.
Learning How to Prevent Lower Back Pain Rather Than Treat It
Pain treatment for your lower back involves everything from ice to physical therapy. If you want to avoid reactive measures, learning how to prevent lower back pain in the first place is crucial. Use these tips and stay diligent to avoid lower back pain altogether.
