4 Ways To Avoid Back Problems

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Back pain isn’t something that has to necessarily come with age. They can be avoided when the proper precautions are taken. It’s important to remember that age doesn’t have to mean that you are going to be brittle, miserable and incapable of physical activity.

Your back is something you need to take special care of since a back injury can be one of the most debilitating injuries a person can endure. Since your spine is the core structure of your entire body, if that fails, chances are everything else will follow.

Here are some of the most important things that you can do to avoid back injuries, and prolong your health well into your senior years.

Drive Carefully

People that are in a vehicle accident usually suffer a back injury following the collision. This injury can last for years, and sometimes even forever. By driving carefully you can avoid major back pain such as Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Radiculopathy, or worse, a broken spine.

To avoid vehicle accidents make sure that you always drive within the speed limit and check all of your blind spots. Most vehicle accidents occur during lane changes due to poor visibility of oncoming vehicles. Remember, your mirror isn’t enough, you must physically turn your head to check for oncoming cars.

Stretch

Stretching every day can strengthen your back by volumes. Try practicing some form of yoga or simply just lifting your arms towards the sky and elongating your spine. Doing this frequently will also improve your posture.

Slouching or arching your back too much with your stomach out can cause serious back pain. Improving your posture through stretching daily will have a huge impact on your spine health.

Never Lift With Your Back

When it comes to lifting extremely heavy items, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth the possibility of suffering a major back injury that will cause you problems for life.

If you must lift something on your own, always make sure that you slightly bend at the knees, keeping your back straight, and slowly rise keeping a firm grip on whatever item you are lifting supporting the weight with the strength of your legs. Try to get help if you can to take off some of the weight.

Stay Within a Healthy Weight

Obesity can greatly affect your back’s wellbeing. Being even as many as 20 pounds overweight can cause a serious amount of straight on your spine and hips.

Use a BMI calculator as a guide for how close you are to being within a healthy weight zone.

Staying within a healthy weight will not only prolong your back health but everything else in your body as well. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.