Back pain, upper or lower can be the most debilitating form of injury. It can mean time off work and problems that arise here can take months to heal. Your back and your spine form the central nervous system of your body. Everything you do and everything you feel is in some way related to this information super highway. No wonder then when something is wrong here it has an effect on everything else.
The truth is it doesn’t have to be like that. If you look after your whole body and, in particular, keep your head, neck, and spine aligned there is no reason for you to suffer at all. So whenever you are with your health, fitness and lifestyle here is how to put your back into your living.
Exercise smartly
It’s not about working out; it is about how you work. Of course, you will want to look after yourself and feel fit. Some exercise regimes and some sports, in particular, are simply not going to be good for your back. Then again you may well find yourself falling awkwardly in any fitness activity. The best thing that you can do is to make sure that you are properly warmed up. This will significantly reduce the chance of injury to upper body or lower back.
Take a page from the world of yoga and do those stretches. These are also great done first thing in the morning. Stand with feet hip distance apart, knees aligned over ankles. Bend knees slightly and lift arms. Stretch open and lengthen your whole body keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. Start to bend forward, keeping your knees bent until you are as far down as you can comfortably go. Release and fold your arms and allow your head to hang forward. Keep yourself nice and loose. Allow the weight of your upper body and head to open up your back and spine.
Start to come back up by releasing your hands and arms and uncurl slowly until you are standing up. Place both hands on your lower back and lean into a gentle backward bend. Use this classic forward and back bend before any exercise and after you have been sitting still at your desk, workstation or computer.
Sleep and sit well
Our beds and mattresses, in particular, can be a source of back problems. How you sleep and how you are aligned when you are sleeping is crucial. If you are sleeping on a mattress that is more than seven years old, it is time to invest in a new one. Buy a mattress that can give you adjustable lumbar support.
Finding temporary support.
If you do find yourself suffering from shoulder of upper back pain, there are some great ways of getting the temporary support that you need. Back braces can be a great idea. The best back posture brace will be one that suits your body type and need. They will also be adjustable, so you get the maximum amount of support.
Pay attention to your posture.
Good posture is a matter of habit and practice. Use chairs that support your back, but above all start to walk tall. Notice how you carry your head and adjust your posture accordingly.
At the end of the day, your back is not necessarily going to fail. It will only do this if you neglect to take care of yourself and forget to put your back into your living.
