Lower back pain can be agonizingly painful, robbing you of the ability to carry out your daily chores or even enjoy fun activities such as bowling or riding a bicycle.
If you suffer from chronic back pain, there are several steps you can take to prevent aggregating your pain while standing or carrying and reaching for objects. Read on for tips on how to do just that so you can hopefully manage your condition better.
Maintain a neutral posture while standing
If you have to spend long hours on your feet, it helps to learn how to maintain a proper posture so as to avoid putting too much pressure on your back. To maintain a neutral spine while standing, place your feet slightly apart for stability, with the knees straight and chin tucked. This will help maintain the natural curve of the spine, ensuring your lower back isn't twisted.
You should also avoid standing in one position for too long, often shifting your body weight from one leg to the other. A footstool could be used to elevate one foot at a time so as to relieve pressure on the back.
Spine safety while carrying and lifting
Improperly carrying shopping bags, luggage or furniture can easily hurt your back and aggravate lower back pain. If an item is too heavy to carry, avoid stressing your back and ask for help. Always split the load so that you have a balanced amount of weight in each hand, or carry heavy items close to the body with elbows and knees slightly bent.
Each ear should line up with the shoulders, with the shoulders held slightly back and level. Additionally, ensure that the pelvis is shifted forward so the hips align with the ankles. These measures allow you to ease pressure on the spine and prevent any back injury.
Overstretching while reaching for an item on a shelf or closet can also result in a neck or back injury, especially if you extend your arms to much or stand on tiptoe. Consider using a sturdy stool or ladder to get closer to items that are out of reach and pivot the feet to provide a stable base for your body and prevent twisting your back while reaching.
Chiropractic manipulation of the spine can be an effective non-surgical treatment for managing your chronic lower back pain. Chiropractors (like those at (Ridge Chiropractic) massage and manipulate the spine to relieve pressure on the ligaments of the back, leading to increased mobility and less pain.
Share