Tips for a healthy back
How you can help yourself
Here are some tips that will help you to care for your back:
Keeping active can help with most back pain and will keep your back healthy. Prolonged bed rest is usually not good for your back and delays recovery
When lifting and carrying always keep the item close to your body. Make sure to bend your knees and let your legs do the work. Try not to twist your back - turn with your feet
Take regular exercise (aim for 30 minutes every day). People who are physically fit generally experience less back pain and recover faster if they do get it
Pace yourself when undertaking any physical activity, especially when it is intensive or you are unaccustomed to it e.g. spring cleaning or tidying the garden after the winter
Adjust your car seats, use a rolled-up towel to support your lower back and take regular breaks on long journeys
Mattresses and sofas wear out over time and can cause back pain. If you have one that is over seven years old it may be time to get a new one
Early diagnosis and treatment can aid recovery and get you back to normal activities more quickly.
Around half of those who suffer an episode of back pain will have a recurrence of symptoms within a few years. Stress can increase the amount of pain you feel by magnifying the effect of tension and muscle spasms. Osteopaths can give you advice about methods to aid your recovery and maintain a healthy back.
REMEMBER: Back pain is rarely due to any serious disease and the long-term outlook is good. If you do have any concerns about your back you can discuss these with your osteopath.