Back Pain Part 2

Due to popular demand, I am writing a follow up post on this very important subject.  Since this affects about 80% of our population, I am not surprised that everyone is looking for solutions to this very debilitating problem.  Those of you who know me well as well as those who have been reading my posts know that I will attempt to find solutions to just about everything without any drugs or surgery as much as possible.  Surgical intervention should be the very last resort after all other options have been exhausted.  And drugs can be habit forming so again, let’s make them the last resort as well.

Your lower back consists of large lumbar bones that literally bear most of your weight.  Any wrong shift in alignment can cause uncomfortable symptoms and prolonged misalignment can lead to a serious injury that could result in surgical intervention.  Our sedentary lives and lack of proper daily fitness has led us where we are.  Most of us have or will have back pain as some point or another.  Once you realize that this is the problem, let’s work on the solution.  For one, watch your posture if you are sitting all day, for example at your desk at work.  Don’t hunch or slouch.  Keep your back straight and make sure you have a comfortable chair that can support it.  Periodically stand up and stretch your back, take a walk to the water cooler or whatever quick destination you have at work.  Sitting all day puts a lot of pressure on your lower back, so standing up from time to time can help alleviate that problem.

Let’s not forget strength training.  You don’t need a gym to strengthen your back.  All you need is a half hour to do a few exercises like crunches, bicycles, bridge, supermans, planks, deadlifts, etc.  Look at this as a necessary part of your day.  I think the reason why people in general are so out of shape and experience pains and aches is because they look at exercising as optional.  It shouldn’t be so.  Make it a regular routine.  Work it into your daily life and don’t question the necessity of it.  Without strength training the natural loss of muscle as we age will result in more pain, more weight gain, less energy and less motivation to do anything in general.  Work your core and your back for half an hour every day if you are prone to back pain.  You can keep it at three times a week if you don’t have any back pain and want to keep it that way!