6 Tips To Protect Your Lower Back
Lower back pain can be caused by any number of things, but the main cause is not taking proper care of your sitting posture and sleeping position. Back problems are easy to avoid since all you need to do is a few adjustments in your lifestyle and you are good. More often than not, however, not everyone would know where to start. We’re here to help you with that.
Below are tips on how to protect your lower back:
1. Sleeping Posture
If you wake up from sleep feeling tired and having a back ache, then you need to change how you sleep or what you sleep on.The sleeping position that is recommended is that you sleep sideways and if you have to sleep on your stomach, put a pillow beneath your lower abdomen. You also need to sleep on a mattress that offers good support. If your mattress is not firm enough, mattress toppers can be added. The best mattress topper is the one that is not too hard nor too soft.
2. Sitting Posture
If you sit in front of your computer for many hours, your back may hurt. It is important get a chair and a desk that are comfortable for your working station. It is also good to give your body some stretching after sitting for long hours. You can do a walk after every hour of continuous sitting.
3. Proper body weight
It does your lower back good if you maintain the right body weight. Too much weight on your tummy area can lead to lower back pains. Eating healthy foods will keep your body in shape. If you are pregnant, talk to your physical therapist to guide on you on the right exercise to do to protect your lower back.
4. Lifting Heavy Objects
Your nature of job can be a cause of your back problems. If your work requires lifting and carrying heavy objects, practice the right postures when lifting. Never lift heavy objects above your shoulder level. Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting. Keep your back straight and hold load close to the body at your belly button.
5. Exercise
If you engage in fitness and exercise activities, you keep your lower back healthy for it stretches, repairs and strengthens muscles that usually help to support the back. Abdominal and back muscles that are weak will not support your back properly. Frequent walking is a good exercise for your back as well as your whole body.
6. Overall Health
It is important to maintain good overall health for your body. Eating healthy foods, drinking a lot of water, little or no alcohol consumption, not smoking can improve your health. Anything that you can do to keep your body healthy will protect your back.
Many people suffer from lower back pains for lack of knowledge. Taking care of your back will save you from frequent use of painkillers. It will also save you money that you will use to treat your back after injuries. If you protect your lower back, you will have protected your whole body from pains that are brought about by injured backs.
