Is Your Lifestyle Causing Back Pain?

Low back pain can range from a minor annoyance disrupting daily tasks to a debilitating condition. In fact, back pain is one of the most common causes of disability. It can lead to missed days at work and significantly impact your quality of life.

Around 80% of people will experience back pain at some point. A pain management specialist is your most valuable asset when back pain strikes, especially if it’s persistent or recurrent. 

The skilled providers at Florida Pain Management Institute can improve your low back pain so that you can do more of what you enjoy. 

In some cases, daily habits contribute to back pain. Our expert team focuses on pinpointing the source of your back pain to provide effective treatment and strategies to avoid future issues.

In this post, our experts offer some suggestions to promote back health and minimize discomfort.

Adopt an active lifestyle

Regular physical activity can go a long way in reducing back pain. Exercise improves flexibility, lowers inflammation, and improves blood flow. Engaging in just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each week is shown to ease back pain, according to a review of published studies.

Consider these tips to alleviate and prevent back discomfort:

• Reduce prolonged sitting
• Perform back stretches before physical activities or workouts
• Mix strength training with low-impact aerobic exercises
• Engage in swimming or stationary cycling for workouts
• Explore gentle exercise forms like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates
• Develop a regular walking habit

Your Florida Pain Management Institute provider can tailor specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back, abdomen, and hamstrings to further alleviate pain.

Improve posture and body mechanics

Maintaining proper posture and body mechanics prevents back injuries and pain. Sudden or awkward movements can cause strain or injury. Learn and practice correct body mechanics to avoid further back issues.

Stand upright and distribute your weight evenly on your feet to lower the risk of irritation or injury. When lifting, squat and keep the object close to your body as you stand rather than bending over.

Choose a swivel chair that supports your lumbar region, especially if you work at a desk. Position your computer or device at eye level to discourage slouching. A medium-firm mattress also promotes back health during sleep.

Support your general health

A healthy body is less susceptible to back pain. Physical fitness and proper nutrition can help prevent or lessen the impact of conditions that may cause back pain. Keeping your body strong also improves recovery from injuries.

Effectively manage chronic health conditions, like diabetes, which can affect your back's nerves. Promptly address conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and urinary infections, as these can lead to back pain. Vaccination against shingles is also recommended to prevent nerve pain near the back.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing back strain. If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking heightens the risk of disc degeneration.

Seek timely medical assistance for flare-ups

Addressing back pain early on before it leads to complications is vital. When you experience new or worsening pain, seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can exacerbate the condition. 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve relief. Back pain doesn't have to control your life. Contact us at our Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Florida, offices to arrange an appointment or use our online scheduling tool. Take the first step towards alleviating your back pain today.