When we learn something new, we are given instructions to figure it out. For example, if you wanted to build a birdhouse, you are likely to find a blueprint online and follow along with it. Amazingly enough, the same can be done for stopping back pain before it starts. Using the instructions below, find out the steps towards keeping yourself free of pain for a lifetime.
Your mattress is at the center of your back's health. You spend as many as eight hours laying on it every single night, so it has to be the best available. That means you must change it when it no longer supports your body correctly, which is around 10 years. Lower quality mattresses last for a shorter time, of course. Invest in a high-quality mattress which promises back support and a long warranty to ensure you are getting a good night's sleep.
Speaking of sleeping, what position do you lie in? If it is your stomach, that could easily be the center of your back pain problems down the road. This position does not offer the best support for your back, so instead learn to sleep on your side. Those who sleep on their backs sometimes develop back pain as well, so they too should learn to sleep on their side.
Once you get up, do you stretch? If not, you may be causing yourself to develop pain. Do gentle stretching in the morning, on breaks at work, and just before bed. This will loosen your muscles and help to keep you limber. It will also help your posture as tightening won't force you to hunch over to find comfort.
Ah, posture! This plays a very important role in the condition of your back. If you sit with your shoulders rounded at your desk or stand like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, you can expect to have a great deal of pain in your back. Relax your shoulders and allow them to roll backwards. Keep your spine straight right up to your skull. Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your back. The better your posture, the less likely you are to develop back pain.
Strengthening your back muscles will also help to prevent pain. A strong back keeps everything aligned correctly and supports your entire body. That improves your posture and can even keep you safe in case of an accident. Those with a weak back are more likely to have a severe injury in such a situation than those with strong back muscles. Talk to a personal trainer about which exercises are best in preventing back pain and follow their instructions to the "T" so you don't end up hurting yourself in the process.
Preventing back pain starts with all of the tips above. Once you take them on in your own life, you should be able to keep back pain at bay for a lifetime. Just keep this article handy so you can revisit it as often as possible. That will ensure that back pain is never going to bring you down!