Tips to Keep Away Back Pain

Busy schedule and stress during this holiday season may end up giving you that extreme pain keeping you back from enjoying the holidays.

William J. Sonstein, neurosurgeon and spine specialist, has developed tips to help keep readers' backs safe and healthy during this season. Here are the do's and don'ts:

Back Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Back pain or Backache is common due to poor posture, postural deformities and life style. Back pain can be classified anatomically as upper, lower and middle back pain.

Minimize or avoid travel-related pain

Wear comfortable shoes with good arch supports to help you walk long distances, and comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to help you stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Give yourself extra time. When you rush, you are less aware of your body movements, which can cause stress and strain on your back.

Yoga and Back Pain - Introduction
The healing effects of yoga benefit those suffering from backpain, by alleviating their pain and also preventing its recurrence.

Don't overpack. Take two smaller bags rather than one heavier big suitcase.

Be careful when lifting bags or luggage-bend at the knee, and don't try to lift with your back. Ask for help when necessary.

When Lower-Back Pain Becomes Spondyloarthritis
Study says chronic lower back pain may be linked to a recently defined form of inflammatory arthritis known as axial spondyloarthritis

Keep shopping safe

Shop during the off-peak hours to avoid having to stand on long lines and walk through crowded areas.

Middle-aged Women Suffering From Chronic Back Pain Due to Long Hours Online
Researchers have said that middle-aged women are suffering from chronic backache because of the Internet.

Make several small trips, rather that one large trip, to avoid stress and fatigue.

Distribute the weight of shopping bags evenly, and avoid carrying bags for too long. Remember to ask a store clerk for assistance with heavy or bulky items.

Sit down and rest if you start to feel fatigued.

Take care when preparing meals

Prepare meals on a work surface that is most comfortable for you, or at elbow level.

Stand on a cushioned mat or non-slip rug to avoid muscle fatigue and back ache.

When taking heavy pans from the oven, lift from the knees, not the waist.

Decorate your home safely

Take your time, mind your posture, and watch your step as you bend, stoop and stretch to retrieve items from your basement, shed or attic. Don't lift heavy boxes alone; ask a family member or friend to help you.

Use a sturdy stool or ladder for reaching high places.

Back pain while driving

Maintain proper sitting posture to straighten Your Back

Support your back with your feet

Get out of the car and do some stretching exercises

Use cold packs for back pain relief

Source-ANI