Back pain can be debilitating and frustrating. Although your chiropractor can treat it, an even better approach is to prevent it. You can’t completely erase your chances of getting back pain—after all, some cases are caused by trauma such as car accidents or improper lifting—but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing it. Ask your chiropractor in San Jose for recommendations that are specific to your own needs. This advice will also help you cut your chances of experiencing chronic, severe back pain.
Get Active
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of back pain is to exercise. Workouts that help to strengthen your core muscles are especially useful, since strong muscles around your midsection help to support your spine. When the muscles in your back don’t get exercised regularly, they can become weak and stiff, which leaves you vulnerable to injury and can make every movement painful. Ask your chiropractor to show you some exercises that can support good back health.
Check Your Posture
Everything your mom said about standing up straight is true. When you hunch over, you put your spine into an unnatural position, which can lead to chronic misalignments and back pain. Think about your posture not only when you’re standing but also when you’re sitting. Avoid slumping over your keyboard and keep your back against your chair when you work. When you sleep, lie on your side instead of your back or stomach.
Watch Your Weight
Carrying around excess weight puts pressure on your spine that can cause damage to your discs and lead to misalignments. If you are experiencing back pain and you are overweight, getting to a healthier weight could be one of your best pain management strategies. Your chiropractor may be able to offer some nutritional advice that can help you make smart food choices. The things you do to manage your weight, such as eat well and exercise, are also good on their own for preventing back pain.
