An estimated 80% of people will have some sort of back or neck pain at some point in their lives.
This is an intimidating statistic, but luckily there are a number of ways to minimize the risk of developing back and neck pain and to keep it under control if the need arises.
Appropriate back and neck care is essential when it comes to protecting yourself from injuries and the development of pain, so we have compiled a list of five ways to keep safe and pain-free.
Read on to discover how you can maintain good spine health and keep your back and neck safe.
- Yoga and Pilates
The foundation of back and neck care is strength and flexibility. Yoga and pilates do just that because their goal is to increase strength and flexibility. They are unlikely to cause you any further injury or pain—just make sure to start slowly as you build up your strength and flexibility.
- Move Around
It is not uncommon to have the tendency to spend most of the day in one position, especially if you have a desk job. Keep in mind though that extended periods of time in one position, whether sitting or standing, can provoke back and neck pain.
To avoid this, change positions every so often. Take a lap around the office or stretch out your hamstrings to avoid the self-inflicted pain of staying in one place for too long.
- Strengthen Abdominals
Before back pain has a chance to develop, strengthen your abdominals. This will, in turn, strengthen your back and minimize the possibility of developing pain. Crunches, planks, and the like should do the trick.
If you are experiencing back pain, however, and your goal is to decrease or get rid of the pain, there are certain abdominal exercises that you will want to avoid. For example, traditional crunches could worsen the pain, so it is recommended to stick to planks and side planks. You can play around with the combinations and the duration of each plank as you start to build strength.
- Sit Up Straight
Consistently sitting up straight will do wonders for your back and neck. Sit on your sit bones and flatten out that curve in your back by keeping your back straight.
Keep your computer at eye level, so you don’t have to look down at it. Your head weighs between twelve and fifteen pounds, so looking down at a computer creates a lot of extra strain on the neck.
Also, make sure your shoulders are square with your computer screen and keyboard to avoid having to sit in an unnatural position for an extended period of time.
- See an Orthopedist
If all else fails, it’s time to see the professionals at a back and neck care center for some advanced back and neck care. The doctor might prescribe physical therapy, medication to reduce inflammation, surgery, or something similar depending on the characteristics of your particular ailment.
A quick search for an “orthopedic doctor near me” should unveil qualified doctors in your area and help you find a doctor quickly.
Back and Neck Care Is Important
Back and neck care is important because these areas of the body have the potential to wreak havoc on your day-to-day life if something goes out of wack. Therefore, it’s worth the little bit of time it takes every day to stay strong and active.
There’s no time like the present to invest in your comfort and health. Jump-start the process by checking out more of our blog!