It’s easy to assume that back pain is simply a natural side-effect of aging. But while a bit of spinal deterioration is bound to occur naturally, excessive pain and diminished flexibility don’t have to be a part of the package. With these tactics from the neurosurgical clinic at Carthage Area Hospital, you can help keep serious spinal trouble at bay, even into life’s later years.
- Get plenty exercise.
Regular exercise offers an extensive variety of important, long-term health benefits. When it comes to your spinal health, exercise assists by ensuring that your back’s ligaments and tendons remain flexible enough to manage a variety of movement. Allowing these key spinal components to lose their flexibility means their connective fibers may become more prone to breakage, which could in turn lead to serious pain. Consider adding core exercises to your routine, as well, as core muscles are a major source of support for the spine.
- Upgrade your mattress.
If you’ve ever dealt with back pain in the morning, the source of the pain may stem from an inadequate mattress. Mattresses often deliver a great deal of support in the beginning, but they deteriorate over the years. For the sake of your back, try to make sure you’re sleeping on a mattress that allows your spine to maintain its straight, natural alignment.
- Maintain good posture.
Arguably one of the most important steps on the path to good spine health, maintaining good posture offers advantages for the whole body. But when it comes to the spine, posture is important because improper positioning can add serious stress to your back’s already considerable workload. This may cause your vertebrae to deteriorate much faster than they would naturally. Pay special attention to your posture while sitting – standing lends itself more readily to good posture, but when you’re on a couch or in a chair, you may feel compelled to lean forward to view the TV or a book.
- Lift Carefully
Improper lifting technique is often cited as a common cause of back injury. The danger grows as the object being lifted gets heavier, but even objects that seem easily manageable can take a serious toll when lifted with poor form. Your best bet is to bend at the knees, rather than the waist, when attempting to lift something. And if that something weighs more than 20% of your body weight, avoid lifting it alone altogether, and contact a friend or family member for a helping hand.
Visit Your Doctor
These good habits can work wonders in keeping your spine in working order, but the guidance of an experienced medical professional can go just as far. If you’re dealing with spinal pain, discuss your symptoms with your general practitioner, or reach out to the neurosurgical clinic at Carthage Area Hospital to learn more about your treatment options.