5 daily tips that can help you prevent back pain

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and it affects 31 million Americans annually. At Michaux Family Chiropractic, Dr. Michaux works on patients to decompress and realign the spine, alleviating back pain. However, taking steps to prevent back pain provides longer term relief.

Begin With Good Posture

The human spine is designed to support body weight, but inappropriate posture places excessive strain on the lower back. When standing, keep feet approximately hip distance apart. Balance evenly on your feet, keeping the shoulders back and abdomen pulled inward. If you’re on your feet all day, wearing shoes with arch support may also prevent back pain.

For those in office jobs, sitting at a desk all day often leads to poor posture. Keep the knees and hips level, with the feet flat on the floor. Placing a small pillow or rolled towel at the lower curve of the back may improve spinal support and diminish back pain.

Build Core Muscles

Numerous muscle groups work together to maintain proper spine alignment. Strengthening the muscles around the pelvis, back muscles, and abdominal muscles helps with back pain prevention. Abdominal crunches, plank exercises, and bridge exercises are great ways to build core strength. Ask Dr. Michaux for specific back pain tips to learn the exercises that are most helpful for you.

Lift Correctly

Incorrect form when lifting heavy objects is a common source of back strain. When reaching down to pick up a heavy object, keep your your back straight and bend at the knees. Holding the object close to your body, stand upward, allowing your legs to bear the weight (not your back).

Have you noticed any common triggers for your lower back pain? What tips help you most?