Accessing Health Care

Most adults experience some kind of back or spinal pain during their lives. Usually it doesn't last long, but it can be a sign of more serious problems and can often be debilitating while it lasts. Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to keep back pain to a minimum.

Exercise

Regular exercise has enormous benefits for the back. Muscles that are not used often are more likely to complain when they are finally given something to do. Exercise also helps to keep the joints moving smoothly, and low-impact cardiovascular exercise such as walking or swimming can help supply hydration and nutrients to the spine.

Smoking

Smoking can narrow the blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood to the spinal discs, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the spine. This can cause back pain and make it harder to heal from injuries. If you are a smoker and you suffer from back pain, you have one more reason to give it up.

Diet

Being overweight can put extra strain on the lower back and can contribute to pain. A healthy diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your body healthy and should take some of the strain off your back.

Posture

Slouching over a computer desk will put strain on your spine and can contribute to long-term pain. You should use a chair with a straight back and try to avoid leaning forward and curving the spine. You should also take regular breaks from the keyboard, preferably by doing stretching exercises.

Stress

Stress will cause you to tense your muscles, and this tension can lead to pain in the spine. Muscle relaxation exercises can help you to remove the tension, and any other kind of exercise designed to reduce stress should also be of value.

Lifting

Incorrect lifting practices which put unnecessary extra strain on the back can cause long-lasting injury to the back. To avoid injury and back pain, get into the habit of bending the legs and keeping the back straight, and if in doubt, get help or find another way of moving heavy objects.

Most of these are common-sense habits anyway and will be part of a healthy lifestyle. But if you keep them up, you will find that as well as the other benefits, you will also be looking after your back and avoiding a lot of pain and health issues.