Amazingly, low back pain is the primary cause of disability worldwide. Also, low back pain is among the most common reason for visits to physicians’ offices, second only to respiratory issues, and it’s estimated that 80 percent of people will have a back problem at some point, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
Low back pain can be a big problem that seriously affects one’s quality of life. Luckily, you may be able to stop low back pain before it starts.
4 Tips for Preventing Low Back Pain
Don’t be afraid of low back pain. Instead, help prevent it with these four tips:
1. Exercise regularly — Regular physical activity has a myriad of benefits, one of which is prevention of back pain. With this in mind, build a strong back. Research exercises that make the back strong. Also, a physiotherapist can help you get a strong, pain-resistant back.
2. Take breaks from sitting — Sitting for long periods of time at a desk or on a couch can cause back pain. Prevent low back pain by taking frequent breaks from sitting to stretch and walk around. Using a back support device may also be helpful.
3. Lift safely — Many people lift heavy items using poor form. Low back pain can easily result from this.
To prevent back pain, lift “with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your hips and knees, keeping your back as straight as possible. Grip the load firmly and hold it close to your body, tighten your stomach muscles and use the strong muscles of your legs as you lift the object. Keep your back straight and avoid twisting – point your feet in the direction you want to go,” stated a contributor to physiocanhelp.ca.
It might seem like a small change, but using the correct form while lifting can go a long way in preventing low back pain.
4. Maintain good form while driving — One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to maintain good form while driving. To do this, place your headrest in a comfortable position and make sure your seat is positioned so that it supports your back. Using a lumbar roll or rolled up towel for additional support can also be a good idea.
Physiotherapy Can Ease Your Back Pain
Ever wondered why you have low back pain? You’re not alone. There are many causes of low back pain, and only a physician or physiotherapist can help you get to the root of your issue.
A few common causes of low back pain include:
- Bad posture
- General wear and tear on the body over time
- Accidents and trauma
- Poor habits, such as sitting at a desk all day without taking breaks
- Aging
- Muscle strains
- Disc injuries
- Arthritis
Don’t let this list of causes of low back pain get you down. No matter what is causing the issue, there is a good chance physiotherapy can either correct or ease your back pain.
If you live near Winnipeg and want to connect with an experienced physiotherapy team, contact Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics.