Walking upright on two feet has advantages, but it also puts intense pressure on the spine, as well as on other muscles and bones. Add to this improper sitting, lifting, or reaching—and the normal wear and tear of working and playing—and you have the perfect recipe for back pain. That’s why back pain is the 2nd most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
In fact, some experts say, as many as 80% of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.
Back injuries are a part of everyday life. They can cause a sharp pain or a dull ache and can be accompanied by a tingling, numbness, or burning sensation. You may also feel weakness, pain, or tingling in your pelvis and upper leg—a condition known as sciatica. The spine is quite good at dealing with back injuries. Minor injuries usually heal within a day or two. Some pain, however, continues. What makes it last longer is not entirely understood, but researchers suspect that stress, mood changes, and the fear of further injury may prevent patients from being active and exacerbate the pain.
Tips for Back Pain Prevention
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight. - Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic. - Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest. - Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening. - Maintain proper posture. - Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. - Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine. - Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting. - Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues. - Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.
