As you get older, one of the most important things you can do for your body is looking after your spine. Naturally with age, your body starts to become more and more uncooperative. You lose your hair, your hearing fades, and your bones start to ache. But one of the most common ailments that comes with ageing is back pain. Back pain affects millions of people worldwide and can severely impact upon a sufferer’s life.
Back issues can prevent you from taking part in the activities you love and can put you in severe chronic pain. There is a myriad of causes for back pain, and it is often attributed to poor habits earlier on in life. The best time to act to alleviate back pain is while you are still young and healthy, maintaining good habits which you carry on into your golden years.
If you would like to avoid future spinal issues, here are some habits you can adopt now for looking after your spine. Your future self will thank you for it.
disclosure: this is a partnered post
#1: Maintain Correct Posture
A lifetime of working in an office can be a death sentence for your back. Sitting hunched over a screen with poor posture can, over time, completely change the shape of your spine and lead to severe problems in the future. If you work at a desk or spend a lot of time in a sedentary position, you don’t have to change jobs, but you certainly should consider looking at different furniture and review your daily work habits.
Make an effort to sit upright when working at a desk. It may take some effort to break the habit initially, but there are steps you can take to make it easier. Make sure your desk and computer are the right height and consider investing in an ergonomic chair that provides strong back support. Make sure you take regular breaks to stand up and stretch to give your spine a rest.
#2: Sleep Well
Everyone knows that getting your eight hours a night is vital for your overall physical health, but the position in which you sleep plays a crucial part in the health of your spine. Sleeping on your side or back is the best way to avoid back issues. Lying on your stomach might be comfortable for you, but it puts undue pressure on your spine. Having too many pillows can also put a strain on your neck, which will lead to problems further down the line. If you are still struggling, there are of course several techniques for how to relieve lower back pain from sleeping.
#3: Stay Active
Those who exercise regularly have a significantly reduced risk of experiencing lower back pain later in life than less active people. Whatever your exercise of choice, you should endeavour to get thirty minutes of physical activity a day. This could include walking, running, gym workouts or swimming. Ensure you incorporate regular stretching to maintain good motion and joint function throughout your body.
#4: Lift Correctly
Particularly if you work with heavy loads, you should be aware of the proper lifting technique. If you have to lift a heavy object, you should lift with your legs and knees and avoid putting strain on your back. When carrying, you should keep your head down and back straight.
#5: Look Out For Warning Signs
If you start to experience any back pain or unusual symptoms, you should visit a doctor right away. This way you can flag any warning signs straight off the bat and can avoid the need to have a full body chiropractic adjustment later on in life.
We hope these 5 tips have helped you understand how you can be looking after your spine and potentially prevent (or at least lessen) any issues in the future. A healthy spine leads to a healthy mind and body, so it is imperative that you take care of it!
