
4 Lifestyle Changes for Back Pain
Pain in the lower back is a common occurrence, especially as you grow older. Conditions such as arthritis of the spine and herniated discs can be casual factors for this pain. However, in most cases, the common cause of lower back pain is lifting something heavy. Here are a few lifestyle changes to reduce lower back pain.
1. Posture
One of the key lifestyle changes to reduce lower back pain is paying attention to your posture or the way to sit. This is especially important if you have a job that requires you to be seated for long periods of time. Hence, using a specially designed chair or an ergonomic chair can help you sit straight with both feet on the ground; this can help relieve lower back pain. When using a computer, ensure that the monitor is in level with your line of sight and your keyboard is positioned so that your arms form right angles at the elbow. This will help to prevent any unnecessary pressure or stress caused on the back muscles that can make them sore, resulting in pain.
2. Take a break
Avoid sitting for a long time, take breaks or get up and walk around for a bit. Also, avoid bending, twisting, and lifting at the same time. These repetitive actions are performed when carrying out chores such as shoveling snow, and regular breaks are good to rest the back muscles and spine.
3. Mattress and sleep posture
Another one of the lifestyle changes to reduce lower back pain is your sleep posture. But before that, ensure that you have a good firm mattress. You can try any of those that are available in the market that claims to reduce lower back pain. Ensure that the mattress is not too soft so as to cause your hips to sink, adding pressure on the spine. Using a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side can help prevent and relieve lower back pain.
4. Diet
Including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet can also be listed among the lifestyle changes to reduce lower back pain. This is because these foods can help reduce pressure and pain by relieving or soothing swelling caused in the bones and discs of the spine. Hence, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help relieve lower back pain. Also, if you are overweight or obese, getting to a healthy weight range can relieve lower pain. These foods, therefore, can help you to manage your weight.
Give these lifestyle changes to reduce lower back pain a try, and you should be able to manage or prevent this pain from getting too severe.