You do not have to be a great scientist like our favorite characters in The Big Bang Theory to view our world with the simple applications such as the laws of mathematics and physics. We know simply that every action has a reaction and our world prefers to be balanced. We solve life’s equations for the answer that balances the problem presented. With this logic are we able to apply it to our health? The answer is absolutely!
Solve for Y
When we are solving for a solution we first look at the factors. One of the essential factors when leading a healthy lifestyle is a healthy spine. Unfortunately many people overlook the benefits of a healthy spine and do not factor in that people who suffer from back pain are generally less healthy than those who do not suffer with back pain.
Law of Subtraction
Low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments with over 80 percent of people in the United States reporting that they have been bothered by this discomfort at some point in their life. For some 50 percent of these people, the pain has severely limited their activities, caused sleep loss, and interfered with their sex life and the ability to control their weight. Further quality of life is subtracted as people suffering from long-term back pain are made to take time off work and can experience large financial losses, as well as the psychological problems that are associated with the healing process for long-term back pain.
Law of Addition
It is extremely important to take good care of your spine and keep it as healthy as possible. By simply adding these beneficial posture and health lifestyle tips as recommended by the American Chiropractic Association, you can help to keep your spine in good shape.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
- People who are overweight or obese tend to suffer more back pain as the extra weight they carry can put unwanted pressure on the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your back.
- A healthy diet and regular exercise is the most efficient and effective way to reduce your weight.
- You should always consult with your Doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
Standing
- When you are standing, try to keep one foot slightly in front of the other, and bend your knees slightly. This position can help to relieve the pressure on your low back.
- Try to avoid bending at the waist for prolonged periods of time. Your lower back muscles can become deconditioned in this position, which often leads to pain.
Lifting
- Whenever you are lifting an object, try to avoid twisting. One of the most dangerous movements for your spine is twisting, especially while lifting.
- If the item you are lifting is too heavy, pushing it is easier on your back than pulling it. Avoid using your back and upper body when pushing the item, try to use your legs.
- If you need to lift a heavy item, get somebody to help you.
Sitting
- Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips, with your head up and back straight.
- Avoid rolling your shoulders forward.
- Try to maintain the natural curve in your low back.
Carrying
- When carrying heavy objects, try to keep them as close to your body as possible.
- Carrying two smaller objects, one in each hand, is much easier to handle than one large object.
Reaching and Bending
- When you are reaching for an object above shoulder level, stand on a stool. If you strain to reach such objects you can not only hurt your mid-back and neck, but you can also bring on shoulder problems.
- Never bend over at the waist to pick up items from the floor. Instead kneel down on one knee and get as close as possible to the item you are lifting. Keep the other foot flat on the floor and then pick the item up.
- To stand keep the item close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.
Sleeping
- There are many positions that add extra pressure to your spine while sleeping. One of these positions is stomach-sleeping which makes it difficult to maintain a neutral position of your spine. This position puts pressure on joints and muscles, which can irritate nerves and lead to pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Try placing a pillow in between your legs when sleeping on your side, this can help to reduce the pressure on your spine.
- Never sleep in a position that hurts your spine. More often than not, your body will tell you which position is best.
Give Up Smoking
Smokers suffer from more back pain than non-smokers, and they also heal a lot more slowly when they experience an episode of back pain. This is owing to the chemicals in tobacco smoke that restrict the blood flow to the tissues in and around your spine.
The Health Tutor
If you follow these simple steps you will can begin to experience the benefits of a healthier spine. If you do suffer with back pain we recommend that you call and schedule a consultation today so we may help you find the factors that are causing the imbalance and set a course for calculated winning health!
For Your Health,
Dr. Steven Longcor