At Houston Spine And Rehab clinics, we often see patients whose back pain could have been prevented. Spinal treatment can be costly, and often follows years of misery. Some risk factors are unavoidable; as you get older, your risk of back pain increases. However, there are many things you can do to cut down the stress on your back and minimize your chances of needing surgery or therapy. If you’re a parent, get your children into these good habits early. Staying fit and preventing back pain is always preferable to treating it. Physical causes 1. Lose weight. The heavier you are, the more stress you put on your spine, particularly in your lower back. Getting rid of a few pounds could make a lot of difference. 2. Stop smoking. It’s not clear why smoking affects the back, but studies have shown that smokers are at a higher risk of back pain than non-smokers. It’s just one more reason to quit. 3. Exercise. The fitter you are, the better your back can cope with everyday strains. If you’re not used to physical exercise, then simple activities like unloading the car or putting heavy objects on high shelves can result in back injuries. Do some stretching exercises daily, go swimming, or even just take a daily walk. It all helps. 4. Sit straight. Your posture is one of the most important factors in whether you’re susceptible to back pain. If you sit slumped on a sofa or in an armchair or you’re hunched over a computer all day, your spine is twisted into an unnatural position. Make the effort to sit upright, and consider changing your seating if necessary. 5. Stand straight. Most people tend to stand with hunched shoulders, especially when working in retail or other jobs which involve standing in the same place all day. Put your shoulders back and pull yourself up to your full height. 6. Change your job. Some jobs are inherently more risky than others. If you do a lot of lifting or you’re working with heavy equipment, you may find that as you get older your body can’t handle the strain. Maybe it’s time to do something less strenuous. Emotional causes
- Stress & depression. When you’re under stress, you instinctively tighten your muscles. Long-term stress or depression is thought to be a major factor in chronic back pain. Sometimes, dealing with those outside issues can significantly ease your back. This may require a change in lifestyle, or you may find that medication is necessary.
If you have back pain that continues for more than a few days, don’t ignore it, especially if it’s the result of an accident. There may be serious damage. Consult your physician or visit a Houston Spine And Rehab center. Six ways to reduce your risk of back pain with Houston spine and rehab, provided by Humble Surgical Hospital.
