The spine is probably the single most amazing thing about your body. It supports us as we walk upright and helps us to lift objects. Keeping the spine in good shape is vital to a happy, healthy life. As a sufferer of back pain myself, I have learned a few things that may help you to relieve the pain you have or, hopefully, to avoid it altogether.
Living with back pain can be a miserable experience. You cannot do the things you normally would and simple things like tying your shoes or holding your baby are cumbersome. You do not need to live that way. The first step is to understand a little about the back so you can avoid the things that will cause pain.
Your back is designed to act with gravity. The vertebra (bones) are stacked one on top of the other and are arranged with three distinct curves or arches: 1) the neck (cervical) curve, 2) the middle back (thoracic) curve and 3) the lower back (lumbar) curve.
Between each vertebra are fluid filled discs to cushion the vertebra so they don't rub together; very painful! Attached to the vertebra are a myriad of muscles.
The spine and muscles work together as a unit to provide movement. To keep your back pain-free and in good health, it's important to sit and stand using proper posture. This keeps your spine in its natural position ' your shoulders should be aligned with your hips. When you sit, keep your feet flat on the floor and your knees at a ninety degree angle. When standing or walking, keep your feet no wider apart than your shoulders.
It is important to have all three natural curves in the back at all times. The posture tips above will help with that. But what if you already have a problem? How can you relieve that pain?
One of the best ways to relieve back pain is through performing simple exercises. These can both alleviate pain that you're currently experiencing as well as helping to prevent further back pain. Before you exercise or engage in any physical activity, do some bending and stretching to loosen up your back muscles and reduce the chance of straining yourself.
If you are already in pain, there are exercises you can do, like that above, but they need to be done carefully and not overdone. Leg lifts are great for this and so are side bends and forward/backward bends. Remember, though, that if it hurts, STOP IMMEDIATELY!
With good posture and making a habit of warming up before physical activity, you'll be able to prevent back pain in most cases. Many of those who suffer from back pain find that good posture is able to alleviate their back pain and allow them to resume their normal activities in short order.
Take good care of your spine and back and they'll return the favor.
Remember to always lift with your legs and not your back - many serious back injuries are caused by improper lifting. Bend at the knee, take hold of the object to be lifted and stand up. This is a safe way to lift which watches out for your spine.
