A healthy lifestyle will help you to avoid back pain.  Are these six factors part of your lifestyle already?

Invest in a good chair, pillow and mattress.

Firstly, when you choose a new mattress, remember that you will spend a third of your life in bed.  Your mattress will affect both the quality of your rest and the effects on your spine.  This is also true for work chairs or any chair you spend significant time in.  This furniture should be supportive as well as comfortable.

Use ergonometrics.

Whether you are behind the wheel of a car, sitting at your desk at work, or using the computer in your home office, ergonometrics can minimize many kinds of strain and sprain injuries.  Check that your seat, wheel, keyboard, footrest, headrest and/or work surface are at the right height and in the right position.  You should not have to stretch and strain to reach crucial items or tools that you use regularly.

Rest your back.

Prolonged sitting places unhealthy strains on your body.  If you work behind a desk all day, then come home and plop down in front of the TV/video game console/computer all night, your back will suffer for it.  Alternate sitting and standing.  Get up from the chair, stretch, and move around every hour.

Use caution when lifting.

Squat down to the level of the item, get a secure hold on it, and raise it by straightening your knees.  Avoid twisting motions – if you need to turn, pivot by using your feet instead.  Ask for help if the item is very large, very heavy, or oddly-shaped.

Live an active lifestyle.

Even on a busy day, you can make choices to be more active.  Examples include choosing the stairs over the elevator,  parking on the far end of the parking lot, or getting off the bus a few stops early.  Walk to the mailbox.  Ride your bike to the convenience store.

Weight bearing exercise like dancing, walking, climbing stairs, or jogging can help keep your bones strong.

Follow your chiropractor’s course of treatment.

Chiropractic care follows three general phases:  acute, semi-acute and maintenance.  Once the acute phase is over and you’re out of pain…continue to follow your chiropractor’s recommendations!  You are unlikely to be fully healed.  Also, your body will need support as it heals (this is the semi-acute phase).  Finally, maintenance care will keep you in the best possible health.

If you don’t have your next appointment scheduled, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.