Last month, we discussed
common causes of back pain including mattresses, shoes, diet, exercise, and
posture. Here are some additional considerations…
6. OFFICE CHAIR: Because of vast differences between
people’s height, weight, body type, and preference, it’s difficult—if not
impossible—to find a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to office chairs!
In the ideal world, the option to sit, stand, walk, and stretch as needed would
be perfect but this simply is not reality! Low back pain (LBP) from sitting is
common due to the excess pressure it places on the joints and disks (the
“shock-absorbers” of the spine). Here are some remedies: 1) Find a chair that
FITS YOU. 2) Get up and move at least once every hour (set the timer on your
smartphone as a reminder). 3) Place the computer monitor directly in front of
you and keyboard/mouse so the elbows bend only 90°. 4) Keep your feet on the
floor at your desk (use an upside down box if you have short legs). 5) Perform
“in the chair” stretches when your timer goes off!
7. BODY TYPE: We’ve
discussed obesity as an obvious cause of back pain, but other factors are
important as well. A very common cause of back pain for women is breast size.
Here, the topic of a supportive bra is important, as carrying more weight in
front of you adds additional stress on the back and shoulders.
8. SHOULDER BAGS: Back pain can be caused
and/or perpetuated by a heavy purse, bag, briefcase, and even a thick wallet in
the back pocket! To keep your eyes level, your body has to compensate and
assume a less-than-ideal posture that may place unnecessary stress on your
back! So before leaving the house today, CLEAN OUT that bag and/or put your
wallet in a front pocket and lessen the load on your spine!
9. SMOKING: Smoking
can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cells, which can cause them
to function at a less than optimal state. You’ve perhaps heard that a
conscientious back surgeon will NEVER operate on a smokers’ back due to both
the prolonged healing time and subsequent bad outcomes. So in addition to
giving your heart, lungs, and those around you a break, if you want your lower
back to heal, STOP SMOKING! Studies also show smokers are TWICE as likely to
develop LBP compared with non-smokers, so quit. Better yet, DON’T START in the
first place!
10. STRESS & DEPRESSION: Remember, “health” is a
balance between structure, chemistry, and mental factors. Stress increases
muscle tightness and alters posture in a way that can lead to or exacerbate
existing LBP. Exercise, meditate, eat smart, and resolve your differences with
family members and friends to minimize this problem! When needed, your doctor
of chiropractic can refer you for counseling!
11. ERGONOMICS: How we “fit” into our job, lifting
properly, workstation set up, work pace, and work stressors ALL play into LBP
management. Have an assessment to see what can be fixed!
We
realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those
needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we
would be honored to render our services. Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.
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