Did you know that Americans are spending record amounts on treatments for their aching backs? Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
On average people with back problems cost 76% more in healthcare expenses to companies than people without back problems each year, according to a research scientist at the University of Washington.
Everyday activities that you do without thinking – sitting at the computer, slipping on a pair of shoes, crawling into bed at night – can make or break your spine health and today we want to talk about preventing back pain so that you belong to the 20% who never have to complain about back pain instead of the 80% who do.
What do you think are the reasons why so many people struggle with back pain?
- Too much sitting on computers and monotonous movements at work; hip flexor too tight
- Incorrect postures of everyday activity combined with being out of shape
- Excessive weight that pulls the muscles / joints in the back
The majority of experts agree, exercise, is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy back and keep away aches and pains. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to back pain. The challenge is when a sedentary person suddenly starts an exercise program without supervision, injuries can happen.
Solution:
- Get expert help. When you start working out, it is always better to start with an expert rather than doing it by yourself. I see many people who sit all day at work, then go to the gym and put their body under a regimented routine that is not good for backs, joints, ligaments, muscles. They don’t warm up; they don’t cool down.
A good personal trainer works with your body not just your body. A person who has been out of shape needs to be trained differently than a person who experiences already back pain.
- Work with the pain. Most people start using medications as soon as they feel back pain or any pain for that matter. But pain is a sign from the body to pay attention. Depending on the pain or the injury, that still is a good time to start a supervised exercise program. A trained professional will work with your pain and will work you through the pain with a controlled program. Example: Greg
- Become more active in general. Get up every 30 minutes to an hour and move your body. Stretch. Get a trampoline. Park in the back of a parking lot.