Our daily jobs and traffic jams are eating up the time that could be devoted for exercising and training our muscles. The toll we pay is manifested in many ways, of them is the back pain due to any simple lifting or even leaf raking. As I suffer a lot from my back pain, I’ve personally gathered some easy tips that would take away the bad backache and leave you in good shape:
1. Warm up
Even your car needs some time in the early winter morning to warm-up before it can hit the road, and the same goes for our body muscles. Gentle stretching exercises and a short walk before you pick up heavy stuff can save you from pain.
2. Turn with your whole body and don’t twist
Make it a habit to always keep your back aligned. Stand as straight as is comfortable, and avoid twisting your upper torso because it can aggravate the muscles in your back. Instead, turn your whole body.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back
If you want a recipe for misery, try lifting and twisting at the same time. The right way is to lift with your legs, never with your back. Squat down and pick things up while keeping your back straight, then stand up relying on your legs. Remember to never bend at the waist. If it was too heavy for you, get some one to help you with it or leave it to experts.
4. Push and don’t pull
Pushing objects is much easier on the body then pulling. When you push, you actually use more of your stomach muscles. When you’re pulling, you put more stress on your back which can increase your back pain
5. Exercise year-round
Exercising year round makes it less likely to get injured while doing daily chores, as muscles become more accustomed to physical activity and can easily cope with any exercise.
6. Relax, almost all back pain relieves itself
It’s claimed that 80% of employees take a day or two off every year because of pack pain. If it happens to you, relax, take a day off, rest in bed, stop any weight lifting, use some anti-inflammatory pain creams. A good massage coming from some expert hands can do you wonders. If the pain stays for over 6 weeks, then it’s time to consult a doctor.
Written by Raouf
Topics: General, Tips & Lists, Worth Reading