Reduce Your Risk for Low Back Pain
August 23, 2023By: Case, Jameson
Tags: Low Back Pain, low back pain risk, reduce low back pain, Male, Female, Adult (18+), Adult, Wellness, Back Care
Lifting heavy objects is not the only thing that can cause back pain. Many other factors may contribute to low back pain. Some risks you can't control, such as your age and family health history.
Reduce weight
Overweight people have a higher chance of getting back pain. This is mainly true for people with extra weight around the waist, which pulls the pelvis forward, causing stress on the lower back. Keeping a healthy weight through diet and exercise doesn’t only reduce existing back pain. It can also help prevent certain types of back problems in the future.
Increase activity
If you don’t exercise, you’re less flexible and you have weaker muscles. This can cause back pain or make it worse. If you take part in a regular exercise program, you can help heal existing back problems and prevent future ones. A good program includes stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic conditioning at least 2 times a week.
Ease stress
Most people who are stressed tend to sleep poorly, have a poor diet, and get little exercise. If stress-related muscle tightness gets added to the mix, back problems can result. To reduce stress, it’s helpful to do relaxation and breathing exercises. Also make time to exercise.
Quit smoking
Smokers are more likely to develop low back pain than nonsmokers. By using proven quit-smoking treatments, such as FDA-approved medicines and individual, group, or phone counseling, you may greatly improve your chances of quitting successfully. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to stop smoking.
Keep good posture
Keeping your back in an awkward position for long periods can put you at risk for back pain. Make sure you have the correct back support and use correct methods for lifting to reduce your risk for back pain.
Related Providers
Dr. Patricia Brumbaugh, MD
Family Medicine
Accepting new patients
Offers virtual visits
Related Posts
Find Relief for Back Pain
If you have back pain, you're not alone. Read on for a look at what causes back pain, as well as ways to keep your back healthy and keep back pain away.
Making Changes to Prevent Heart Disease
Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes.
Creating an Exercise Program
To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week.
Calorie Burn Rate Tool
The tool will provide you with an estimate of how many calories you will burn for the activities listed.
