3 Min Read
The human spine beautifully balances the system that serves as the body's structural support. The spine, which is gently bent into an S shape, balances the neck, chest, lower back, and pelvis to maintain proper alignment of the head, trunk, and legs. Hence, our back plays a key role in maintaining our quality of life.
Our back offers a protective covering to the spinal cord, which serves as the major nerve supply. We can retain our upright posture with the support system it gives us. Additionally, the spine flexes to allow for movement; in fact, the spine is involved in every motion we make.
It can significantly lower the quality of life and make it difficult to sit and stand when our back suffers for any reason. Hence, it is important to take daily care of our back, pay attention to our back's health, and engage with professionals to address any back pain for this reason. Whatever condition our back may be in, there are several things we can do to maintain its health. Here are a few recommendations that we should consider to keep our backs strong and healthy.
Consult a spine care hospital if you want to know more about how to keep spine healthy.
Important Back Pain Tips
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Regular exercises
Exercise is essential for muscle strength, and strong back muscles help maintain our spine. Wall squats and leg lifts are beneficial to our backs, and many yoga positions help to strengthen our back muscles.
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Keeping the back in a straight position
Keeping the back in a straight position is a good posture that keeps our spine healthy by allowing it to maintain its natural form and blood flow. Poor posture can strain our spinal column and reduce blood flow.
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Kneel to bend
Bending at the waist increases pressure on the spinal cord; hence, it is recommended to bend the knees and lower the entire body when there is any need to bend.
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Avoid lifting heavy objects
It is recommended to use roller suitcases, hand trucks, or other tools designed to transport the burden instead of trying to lift heavy goods with the back.
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Loads should be equally distributed and kept close to the body
One should avoid carrying anything at arm's length and a big weight on one side of the body because doing so puts strain on the vertebrae. Hence, it is advised to keep the burden at the centre and close to the body in case someone is carrying a heavy weight. The same rule applies to children: they should be prevented from wearing a bulky backpack on one shoulder.
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Sitting with the back straight and the upper body support
Sitting with the back straight prevents strain on the vertebrae by keeping them in their proper position.
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Avoid standing with the legs straight
The spinal column will experience less strain if the knees are "soft," as opposed to locked straight when someone is standing.
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Maintain a bent leg position when lying down
The spine will stay in its normal shape if the legs are bent when an individual is lying down. Face up or face down, lying flat requires the spine to either flex or lengthen, which puts strain on the discs.
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Participate in sports, especially swimming, jogging, or cycling
Several sports provide good exercise without feeling like work. It is recommended to perform the exercise by swimming, running, cycling, or participating in other sports that cause the heart to race and muscles to contract.
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Training the spinal muscles every day
One should learn to maintain their spinal column by strengthening their back muscles to keep them strong, which can only be achieved by exercising.
Consult an orthopedic doctor in Panjim for more spine health tips.
