#GetSpineActive by incorporating these simple habits and save your spinal health from deteriorating.
Studies suggest that one out of ten people, about 80% people, suffer from some form of back pain making it one of the most common factors in job-related stress and work leaves. Yeah, we saw you straighten up just now.
Maybe it’s an accident or injury that’s causing it, but more often than not it’s the common day-to-day activities that play the biggest culprit in affecting lower back pains, shoulder pains, etc.
Spreading awareness this World Spine Day, practice these six simple tips and protect your spinal health in your day-to-day life. Pro-tip: stop slouching!
GET MOVING
Studies have confirmed that not even exercise can unwind the harsh effects of sitting all day during work. Stand up, take a walk, do some yoga, move around. Make sure to incorporate some core strength training in your workouts since it helps to create a stronger more flexible back. Conversely, don’t over-exercise.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FEET
Always wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes to reduce strain on your back. Avoid wearing heels on a daily basis but if you must, less than 1-inch heels are your best bet for not overworking your back. Wear footwear with a good grip to avoid adding force from your legs that eventually goes up to affect your back.
SUPPLEMENT YOUR SPINE
Researchers conclude that a diet excessive in spicy or fast foods affects your nervous system negatively. Consuming a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and others rich in calcium and vitamin D are vital to your spine’s health and improvement. Consult your doctor before moving to supplements.
LESSEN YOUR LOAD
Avoid lifting heavy objects on your own such as boxes, grocery bags, laptop bags, luggages, books, etc. Whenever possible, carry less or balance the weight by distributing it on both sides. Improper lifting too leads to spasms, so maintain proper posture while lifting.
SLEEP THE RIGHT WAY
The expression ‘sinking in the bed’ is quite literally what happens when you’re sleeping on your back. The posture simply doesn’t support your structure and causes it to bend and cause backaches. A good alternative is either sleeping on your sides or placing a pillow under your knees to uplift your body and better relax without strain.
QUIT SMOKING
Amongst other fatal issues smoking brings, adverse back pain is one of them. The main reason is that nicotine restricts blood flow by narrowing blood vessels and reduces the oxygen nourishment required by the back muscles. This can cause them to dry out or rupture very easily. A simple strain and it can hurt for the long run.
