Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and other spine injuries and back conditions may not always be avoidable. These conditions sometimes require treatment, such as therapy or minimally invasive spine surgery. However, lifestyle factors such as weight, activity levels, and even environmental factors can all contribute to a higher risk of back pain and injury for most people. You can help lighten the load and possible strain on your spine and back just by making a few simple changes in your daily routine. Here are some ways you can prevent back pain:
- Stand up straight – We have been told to maintain good posture and sit up straight ever since we are children. It’s important that you make this a habit, especially if you spend a large portion of large portion of your time sitting down. Make sure to stand up, stretch, and move around a couple of times a day. You can take phone calls standing up or do stretches, such as gently curving your lower back to avoid straining it.
- Don’t overdo sleeping – Getting sufficient sleep is important for a healthy mind and body, but it’s easy to forget that spending too much time lying down can hurt your spine. An average of seven hours of sleep at night and a scheduled nap can help rejuvenate your tired body, but don’t overdo it. Make sure to alternate rest with regular physical activity.
- Don’t overdo training – It can be very motivating and rewarding to train for a marathon or triathlon, but doing too much too soon can increase your risk of getting back injuries. This is especially true if you’re one of those weekend warriors who cram all of your exercise into a one or two day period. Walking or running lightly after work several times a week is the safest way to build strength and endurance.
Make sure to contact Spine Center of Texas if you’re experiencing back pain or have a spine injury. We provide consultations, treatments, and minimally invasive surgery procedures that can help you get back to the life you love.
