Back pain is one of the most commonly reported problems in medicine today, and it is also one of the most preventable conditions. If you are prone to experiencing back discomfort, the spine surgeons at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration encourage you to take charge of your own health by practicing the following habits that can help to reduce stress on the spine.
Manage Body Weight
Excessive weight, especially around the abdomen, is a significant factor in the development of back pain. Extra pounds around the waist tend to pull the spinal column into an exaggerated curve and can contribute to bulging discs and nerve compression.
Strengthen the Core
Performing exercises that build the body’s core are an excellent way to reduce stress on the spine. Most people who struggle with back pain experience problems in the lower lumbar region. Therefore, exercises that build the muscles of the pelvis, back and abdomen build a support structure around the body that helps reduce stress along the spinal column.
Maintain Good Posture
It is common for many working people to spend long hours sitting at a desk and slouched in front of a computer screen. Maintaining this unnatural position puts stress on the spine and often causes neck and back pain.
Practicing good posture while sitting is important, and ergonomic furniture can help office workers maintain better body alignment at the desk. It is also important to keep the head erect while standing and the shoulders pulled back. A sign of good posture is the ability to draw a straight line from the earlobe down into the shoulders, through the hips and knees, and to the center of the ankle.
Practice Good Body Mechanics
Improper lifting is a major cause of back injury. Bending at the knees when lifting an object and keeping the object close to the body is an important way to reduce stress on the spine.
If you practice the good habits mentioned above and still live with pain in the back or spine, it may be time to speak with a spinal specialist to determine the exact cause. Finding the source of the pain can help to find the best treatment options, and help you get back to a pain-free lifestyle. To schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified orthopedic physician from The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration, call 310-828-7757.