Tips to avoid back pain

What is Back Pain?

Back pain generally can last from a few days to a few weeks.

Most back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues.

Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight.

Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid back pain:

1. Your bed does matter- It is important that your mattress supports you well. Get rid of the sagging mattress.

2. What you do in bed matters- Reading or watching television while lying down is best avoided as when you lift your head to view the screen your muscles may contract causing pain in the neck.

3. When you do have to lift a heavy object, bend with your knees and hips.

4. You need to frquently change your position: staying in a particular position for too long stresses the postural muscles in your body.

5. Regularly used household items should be preferably kept on easily accessible shelves, as it can help avoid bending and stretching movements.

6. Light to moderate exercise strengthens the back and abdominal muscles.