5 Important Habits to Improve Back Health
Dec 08, 2017
Millions of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their life, and many people believe there is nothing that can be done to prevent back problems. But there are many things people can do to take care of their back now to prevent pain down the road.
Did you know that everyday habits could be the difference between being pain-free or not? Here are the most important things you can change to take care of your back and promote a healthy spine to prevent back pain:
If you’re able to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight easier. It will also help maintain a strong and healthy spine because the discs in your spine are made mostly of water.
Did you know that sitting is actually worse on your back than standing? If you sit a lot during the day, sit with good posture. Be sure your knees are slightly higher than your hips, your feet touch the ground, and you support your arms with armrests. Get up and walk around at least every hour throughout the day.
A sedentary lifestyle can worsen back pain, so it’s important to stay active and exercise regularly. Strengthening your core is very important for spine health. Your core muscles include both your abdomen and back muscles, so be sure to find a few core strengthening exercises that don’t aggravate your back, and do them consistently.
The success of your back treatment can change over time, so it’s important to work with your doctor to see what treatment is best for you. Medications can affect everyone differently, so if y0ur current medication isn’t working or has side effects that aren’t manageable, talk with your doctor. You may also want to try other less invasive treatments, like injections or physical therapy, before discussing surgical options.
Your mattress and pillow can have a big impact on your back health, and if you don’t have the proper support overnight, it can worsen back pain. Choose a mattress and pillow based on your sleep position, but keep in mind that sleeping on your back or pillow is optimal for your back.
If you’ve tried improving your lifestyle and habits without success, contact Nevada Orthopedic at (702) 258-3773 to find a treatment that will help ease your back pain. We specialize in both non-surgical and surgical treatments for back problems. You can also request an appointment using our secure online form.