Prevent Low Back Pain

By: Laura Evans

Low back pain can make your life miserable. However, you don't just have to grin and bear it. You can take proactive chiropractic steps to prevent low back pain as well as get some low back pain relief.

Chiropractic tips for low back pain prevention
Some of the tips to prevent lower back pain are just plain common sense for living a healthy life style. For example, wear comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heals, keep them as low as possible. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise regularly, but don't forget to stretch before you begin. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.

In addition, use ergonomic furniture at home and at the workplace whenever possible. If you have to sit a lot at your job, get up every 45 minutes or so and stretch or take a short walk. If you have to stand for long periods of time, shift your weight back and forth between your feet. Better yet, put one of your feet up on a stool. When you are lifting heavy objects, use your knees and leg muscles rather than your back and never twist.

Tips for low back pain relief
If your back pains have been going on for less than three months, you have acute back pain. If you haven't started exercising, do so. However, don't jump into a high impact program or you might hurt yourself even more. Take it easy and start slowly. If your instinct is to lie around for a few days hoping the pain will go away, you're instinct is off. In fact, staying in bed or on the couch, no matter how enticing, may make your back worse.

You might try taking an over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort. In addition, ice packs or heating pads used every couple of hours for about fifteen minutes may bring you some relief.

If you have been suffering from lower back pain for three months or more, your condition is considered to be chronic. At this point, you should consult your health care provider to get the appropriate testing to determine the reasons why your back is hurting.

Remember that the best treatment for lower back pain is prevention. Take care of your back. However, if you have back pain, regardless of whether your back pain is acute or chronic, don't hesitate to call your chiropractor or physician should you have any concerns. 

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