Do you stand all day? Prevent Back Pain with these easy tips.
Does your job require you to be on your feet or stand all day? Standing for long periods of time can lower the elasticity of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Stress is then caused on the neck and back, creating pain and discomfort.
Give your spine a break throughout the day with these tips:
Don’t Stay Stationary
Moving around improves circulation and blood flow, as well as reduces muscle fatigue.
Stretch
The spine exerts large amounts of energy to keep you stable throughout the day. Stretching before, during and after work reduces fatigue and discomfort as well as improves circulation and eases compressive forces caused to the spine.
Posture is Important
Do not underestimate the power of standing straight. Proper posture can minimize stress on the spine, preventing back pain from occurring. Standing posture should include:
- Standing Straight: Chest out, head back, with your feet slightly apart
- Bending at the knees, not at the waist
- Avoiding twisting of the lower back
- Not overreaching when trying to reach items
Build Your Core
Strengthening your core to support your spinal column is an important part of back pain treatment and prevention. Core stabilizing exercises will help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, as well as minimize the compressive forces that standing for long periods can cause.
Stay Fit
Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle is the best form of back pain prevention as well as a way to slow down the degenerative disc process. Routine activities to increase your heart rate helps to optimize and preserves your spinal function. Exercise like cycling, swimming, and running are great forms of cardiovascular activities.
If you have back pain or back problems, make an appointment with one of First State Spine’s specialists.
It’s time to get a handle on your spine health and live free of pain! However, always check with your physician to see if these tips are safe to follow based on your health history.