Back Pain Tips from a Grand Rapids MI Chiropractor

If there is one portion of the body that almost everyone seems to have issues with at some point in their lives, it has to be the back. In today's society, back pain has become such a frequent occurrence that many individuals simply accept it as usual and attempt to get on with their lives. Of course, anyone in the chiropractic profession or with a basic understanding of human anatomy understands that, for the most part, back discomfort is unnecessary. Treatment from a chiropractor can be quite beneficial, but you can also benefit from your own efforts. In this article, a Grand Rapids MI chiropractor offers some practical back pain relief advice.

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU’RE LIFTING in Grand Rapids MI

Poor lifting technique is a major cause of lower back strains and sprains, thus it is critical to adopt good lifting technique while lifting large things to avoid injury. No matter what you're lifting, try to maintain your back as straight as possible and rely on your legs to carry the majority of the weight. When we are weary, we tend to use our legs less and less. However, if you stop utilizing your legs, you are increasing your chances of getting a back injury. It's also crucial not to twist your body while you're holding a large thing in your hands. If you have to turn, adjust your feet so that your body is facing the correct way before turning.

GOOD NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT

It's surprising to learn that most people do not consider diet to be a critical component of excellent spinal health, but it is. Drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods will help you maintain a healthy weight around your middle. When you carry too much weight in your stomach, it creates an imbalance, which pulls on the muscles in your lower back all day, every day. If you suffer from back discomfort and carry excess weight in your stomach, you should consider making dietary changes to lessen the strain on your back.

EXERCISE THAT MAKES SENSE

Physical activity is important for many reasons, but it may also put you at risk for back injury if you don't do it correctly. Whichever sort of exercise you select, make sure you take the necessary time to warm up correctly before beginning and cooling down appropriately after finishing. Despite the fact that many individuals want to jump right in and begin lifting weights or participating in sports, your back muscles are still chilly and stiff. Find an exercise that is within your fitness level and take precautions to protect your back before, during, and after the exercise session.

AVOID SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME

In general, individuals are sitting for far longer periods of time than they used to. Many vocations include extended periods of time spent in front of a computer, which can be detrimental to your health. Because the human body is built to move, sitting for lengthy periods of time can cause compression of the discs in your spine. Not everyone, of course, can switch jobs on a dime, but you may get up and move about for a few minutes every hour during the day to relieve some of the stress. If you'd like more information about back pain prevention, please call our Grand Rapids MI chiropractic office.

Our staff at Innovative Health and Chiropractic is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us right away.