After having survived your last back injury, you know it’s not something you want to going through again. Back pain isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Eight out of 10 people have been forced to endure back pain at some point in their lives. Those are fairly alarming statistics. It proves that back pain is one of the leading causes for doctor trips in the United States.
Avoiding back injury is often easier said than done, however. There are so many ways to injure your back that it’s virtually impossible to prepare for all of them. And don’t forget all the different types of back pain, ranging from dull aches to sharp and sudden pain.
Avoiding Back Injury
Back pain can result from injuries like:
- Sprain
- Fracture
- Bruising
- Swelling or pressure on your spinal cord
In addition to major accidents like falls and automobile accidents, back injury can happen from even innocuous movements such as:
- Standing
- Lifting
- Sitting
- Sleeping
It’s not possible to avoid all the reasons and situations. Avoiding back injury is a delicate balance between awareness and caution. And since you’ve already had back surgery once before, it’s possible that your back is already compromised or at least more susceptible to the same type of injury.
Preventing Problems Before They Happen
Being overweight and inactive are two leading factors that contribute to recurring back pain and injury. Avoiding back injury can be as easy as stretching more often. Doing some light exercises strengthens the muscles of your back that protect and support your spine. When the muscles around your spine are stronger, your spine is under a lot less stress.
Stretching relaxes and lengthens your muscles. If your muscles are relaxed, they’re better able to handle stress. Developing flexibility means you’re less likely to suffer injury because your muscles have a better range of motion.
Strengthening your back muscles with exercise is an essential part of remaining pain-free. Weak back muscles are more prone to injury and much more difficult to recover from. Your muscles also provide necessary support to your spine. Without strong back muscles, your spine is at a significantly higher risk of re-injury.
Stand Up and Take Notice
Maintaining good posture is another key to staying out of the operating room. Your posture determines which muscles and joints are used and how much force they exert. Practicing good posture keeps you in alignment.
Poor posture increases stress on your back. Find neutral postures for your back that provide the healthiest positions whether you’re sitting, driving or standing. They can reduce your pain and improve your overall spine health.
Staying Healthy Is a Choice
Preventing back injury is much less invasive than undergoing another surgery. Understanding your body mechanics is a solid way to improve your life. Good posture makes a difference in many areas of your life.
Back pain is a miserable fact of life. But you have the ability to overcome it. Don’t allow your back pain to run your life or steal your joy. Avoiding back injury all together is the best way to stay out of the operating room. But if you feel a twinge of pain from something you’ve done, consult a spine specialist at the Southeastern Spine Institute to find out what you can do now to prevent problems later.