Following the common cold, back pain is the second leading cause of work absences, resulting in approximately 93 million lost workdays and incurring healthcare expenses of around $5 billion annually.
Astonishingly, eight out of ten individuals will encounter back pain at some stage in their lives, with one in four Americans presently experiencing it. When back pain persists for more than three months, it is classified as chronic, and according to neuroscientists, it impairs more than just the physical body.
Moreover, according to Harvard Medical Center, persistent pain plays a role in the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as challenges with sleep and coping abilities.
Start with your seat.
In order to encourage proper sitting posture, opt for a chair that provides adequate lower back support. Ensure that the height of your chair allows your feet to rest flat on the floor or on a footrest, while keeping your thighs parallel to the floor.
The ideal chair for preventing back pain is either one with a straight back or one that offers low-back support. Maintain a position where your knees are slightly higher than your hips while seated. Set your chair back at an angle of approximately 110 degrees, ensuring it comfortably supports the small of your back. If needed, utilize a wedge-shaped cushion or a lumbar pad.
Check your desk.
For the sake of preventing strain on your neck and eyes, position your computer monitor directly in front of you, at a distance of approximately an arm’s length. Ensure that the top of the monitor is situated around 2 to 3 inches higher than your eye level. If you wear bifocals, you might find it more comfortable to slightly lower the monitor.
Take a lot of breaks.
Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is essential to prevent back pain and maintain overall well-being. Prolonged periods of sitting or remaining in the same position can place undue stress on the back and lead to discomfort or stiffness.
A general guideline is to aim for a brief break every 30 minutes to one hour. During these breaks, it is beneficial to engage in activities that promote movement and relaxation, such as stretching, walking, or changing positions. Taking short walks, performing gentle stretching exercises, or simply changing positions can help alleviate the strain on your back.
Avoid high heels.
When it comes to managing back pain, one practical step is to avoid wearing high heels. While they may enhance your appearance, high heels can significantly impact your posture and spinal alignment. The elevated heel alters the natural curvature of the spine, putting excessive strain on the lower back.
Opting for more supportive and comfortable footwear, such as flats or shoes with low heels, allows for better weight distribution and promotes a healthier posture, reducing the risk of exacerbating back pain.
Pick the right handbag or briefcase.
When it comes to choosing a handbag for back pain management, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Opting for a bag that is both functional and supportive can help alleviate strain on your back.
Select a handbag that is appropriately sized and lightweight. Carrying a large or heavy bag can put excessive strain on your back and shoulders. Consider minimizing the number of items you carry to reduce the weight.
Look for a bag with adjustable straps or handles. This allows you to customize the fit and ensure the bag sits comfortably on your body, distributing weight evenly. Crossbody bags and backpacks are often more ergonomic choices as they distribute the weight across both shoulders, rather than placing it all on one side. These styles can help improve posture and reduce strain on the back and neck.
Consider a bag that offers padding or support in key areas such as the back or shoulder straps. This can provide additional comfort and reduce pressure points on your body.
Pay attention to lifting.
To lift heavy objects, avoid bending over at the waist. Instead, use your knees and squat down while engaging your abdominal muscles. Keep the object near your body as you rise. Allow your legs to bear the weight, rather than straining your back. It’s crucial to refrain from twisting your body while lifting. Whenever possible, opt for pushing heavy objects instead of pulling them, as this places less strain on your back.
Exercise.
The Department of Health and Human Services suggests that the majority of healthy adults engage in a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of intense aerobic activity. It is recommended to distribute these activities evenly throughout the week. Additionally, engaging in strength training exercises at least twice a week is also advised.
Engage in regular physical activity, including aerobic exercises like walking or swimming, which promote overall fitness and support a healthy back.
Warm up before any exercise or stretching routine to prepare your muscles and minimize the risk of injury.
Weight management.
Maintaining a healthy weight is indeed important for preventing back pain. Excess weight can put added stress and strain on the spine and its supporting structures, leading to increased pressure on the back muscles, discs, and joints.
Incorporate healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, managing stress levels, and avoiding smoking, as these factors can impact weight management and overall well-being.
Stretch and strengthen your back muscles.
Stretching and strengthening muscles are crucial components of back pain prevention and management. Include regular stretching exercises that target the muscles in your back, hips, and legs. Focus on both the upper and lower back. Stretching helps improve flexibility, relieve muscle tension, and increase range of motion.
Strengthening exercises help support the spine, improve posture, and enhance overall back stability. Focus on strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles. Start with low resistance or bodyweight exercises and gradually increase intensity as your strength improves.
If you have an existing back condition or are experiencing severe pain, consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist before starting any exercise program.
Sleep well.
Getting adequate and quality sleep is essential for back pain management. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow that provide adequate support for your spine. A medium-firm mattress is often recommended for back pain. Similarly, a pillow that maintains proper alignment of your head, neck, and spine can help prevent strain on your back.
Sleeping on your back or side is generally better for your back than sleeping on your stomach. If you sleep on your back, consider placing a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your spine. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned. These positions help reduce pressure and stress on your back.
Manage stress.
High levels of stress can contribute to disrupted sleep and increased muscle tension. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, mindfulness, or journaling, to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Consider supplements that help manage inflammation.
There are a few supplements that may have potential anti-inflammatory effects and could be considered for managing back pain inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fish oil and certain plant-based sources like flaxseed and chia seeds, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. They may help reduce inflammation and provide relief for back pain.
Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help alleviate inflammation and provide pain relief. However, curcumin’s absorption in the body can be limited, so it’s often taken in combination with black pepper extract (piperine) or with specialized formulations to enhance its bioavailability.
Ginger is another natural ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been traditionally used for its pain-relieving effects.
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