Back pain can have an impact on your work, recreation, and overall enjoyment of life. While treatment for your pain depends on the cause of your pain, there are some things that you can do to manage your symptoms. Part of pain management is understanding that certain activities can worsen how your back feels.
Want to start doing the things you love pain-free? Here are six things you should stop doing right now.
Stop Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Sitting puts up to 90% more pressure on your spine and discs than standing does, so it’s no wonder that sitting for long periods of time can lead to worsening back pain symptoms. When combined with poor posture, hours spent sitting without a break can lead to conditions like bulging and herniated discs.
If you want to stop feeling pain after a long day at the office, it’s critical to get up and stretch every hour or two. Spend some time standing and stretching for five to ten minutes to relieve your symptoms.
Stop Slouching
Slouching, whether you are sitting or standing, can cause stress on the spine. If you sit at a desk and use a computer at work, you should take some time to set up your workspace so that you can get your tasks done without bending over. Make sure that your computer monitor is properly aligned with your eyesight to prevent a bent back.
Stop Putting off Exercise
Strengthening the muscles that support your back can lead to less discomfort, plus exercise is just good for you. If you’ve been putting off going to the gym, there’s no better time to start than now. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.
Stop Lifting Heavy Objects
Frequent heavy lifting can exacerbate your symptoms. If your job requires you to lift heavy objects, make sure that you are practicing safe lifting techniques. You can also ask your employer if any equipment is available to help you ease the strain on your back.
Stop Smoking
You already know that smoking is extremely bad for your health. But did you know that it could also be the cause of your pain? It’s true! Smokers are more likely to suffer from back pain than non-smokers. One reason why health professionals think smoking and spinal pain are linked is that nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it shrinks the blood vessels and restricts the flow of blood to different areas of the body. Smoking could reduce the flow of blood to the spine, which could mean that your spine isn’t getting the nutrients that it needs to be healthy.
Stop Waiting for Back Pain Relief
If you have suffered from pain in your spine for more than a week, you should stop waiting for relief and start trying to actively find help. The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor because the cause of your pain will determine your treatment options.
Ready for relief? Get in touch with me today to learn how we can help.
