Your body is designed to move. But if you don't take the proper precautions, well...
To begin with, it is important to know how the back is composed
- Bones and joints of the spine (vertebrae).
- Discs (responsible for separating the vertebrae and cushioning the impact when you move).
- Muscles and ligaments (support your spine).
Problems can occur anywhere in the back. Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to your movements and habits (something known as 'spinal hygiene').
The origin of uncomfortable lower back pain
Back pain can occur during certain recreational activities, work, home projects, or even when playing certain sports.
Added to this are unhealthy habits that can harm your spine, such as poor posture, injuries, or even the mattress you use.
When are you taking care of your back?
-
You warm up your body before any movement
Before any activity, a little warm-up is always welcome. Work on your breathing and gradually bend and twist your torso and head, stretch your arms and legs, and practice rotating and bending areas like your arms, forearms, and wrists.
-
You adopt a correct posture
Good posture is characterized by keeping your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line . If you're sitting, position yourself so that you can rest your feet and keep your knees level with your hips, at a 90-degree angle, with your back straight and your heels in a straight line.
-
You go for a medical check-up
A health expert can evaluate you and detect any problems early . Beyond injuries, other factors that can trigger back pain include aging, a family history of back pain, or even a degenerative disease. That's why it's so important to see a doctor.
Do you know what chiropractic treatment is? We'll tell you all about it in this article.
When are you neglecting your back?
-
You lift heavy objects without the necessary precautions
Many back injuries occur when you use the muscles in this area in activities you don't do very often , such as gardening, making a sudden movement, or lifting heavy objects.
-
You suffer a minor injury and take it lightly.
Have you tripped recently? Had a simple fall? It's always a good idea to see a doctor . Sometimes, a movement as simple as twisting your spine too much, hitting your back, or suddenly falling can be the beginning of a bigger problem.
-
You spend too much time in one position
Standing, sitting, or lying down—any activity performed for hours without proper breaks can affect your back. Therefore, the recommendation is to get up, walk around, stretch, and relax for five minutes every 50 minutes. A small change can make a big difference.
Some tips to improve the quality of life of your back
- Use cold or hot compresses: Cold compresses help reduce inflammation and pain, while hot compresses increase blood flow.
- See a qualified physical therapist. Health is priceless. And a professional in this field can help you correct your posture and give you the best advice. Rely on an expert and don't fall for charlatans.
- Massages: This involves finding sensitive points and providing gentle, constant movements until the pain subsides.
- Maintains proper spinal hygiene during the day and while sleeping , providing you with ergonomic products that can help you correct your posture.
- Exercise regularly , staying active helps relieve our back and improve our overall health.
- If you have a sedentary job, try to change your posture regularly and take short breaks to stretch.
What can happen if our bodies remain sedentary or static for many hours during the day? Find out here.
Why should we take care of our back and lumbar region?
Indeed, your body is designed to move. Achieving this in a healthy way is the result of certain habits and postures .
Your back is your friend, and taking care of it is your responsibility. After all, it's the only one you'll ever have. So always give it lots of love .
Daily wear and tear, overuse, or injury can cause problems in this area of the body . But with proper information and the necessary care, we're sure your back will remain pain-free.
