Back Pain
In any 3 month period, over 25% of America experiences back pain.
How you sit, stand, lift, exercise – even how you hold your phone – it all affects your back, which can impact your entire body.
There are two types of back pain:
- Acute back pain: Pain that comes on suddenly lasting for less than three months.
- Chronic back pain: Back muscle strain and spasms that remain for more than three months.
Call your Doctor now if pain shoots down your leg, or you experience numbness/weakness. This could be a sign of a serious nerve issue.
Common symptoms: muscle spasms in back, muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, limited range of motion of the back.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain: muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, osteoporosis.
SWITCH-UP THE WAY YOU SIT
Sitting in the same position increases muscle strain. Alternate your seating (lean, posture, etc.) and be sure to get up every 30-60 minutes to move and stretch.
ATTAIN MINDFUL POSTURE
Stand with shoulders back and dropped-down from your ears. Many of us unconsciously “shoulder creep” throughout the day as stresses build.
CARRY CAREFULLY
Avoid twisting, and carry loads such as groceries and laundry close to the body.
PAY ATTENTION TO SCREEN TIME
Texting and tilting our heads to our phones puts immense strain on the spine.
When possible, use voice commands or hold your phone at eye level.