Avoiding Back Trouble
It seems like Americans suffer more and more these days from lower back problems. It's becoming one of the major sources of loss of work and loss of quality of life. Lower back problems can be a lingering source of pain and discomfort as well as a source of great expense to the sufferer and employers. But what are the causes of this trend?
Sedentary Lifestyle
More and more Americans spend their days sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen. They work longer hours doing the same. At the end of the work day, they slump to a train or bus or car and resume the same position in order to sit in traffic before finally arriving home, where often they spend even more time sitting in front of a television. Because of this sedentary lifestyle, a person's back muscles can become weak and strained. It's difficult to change jobs, especially in today's economy, but there are things to be done that can help with this situation. First off, if you're going to spend so much time in your car, try to make it comfortable. Try to maintain a straight posture and avoid slumping; adjust your seat to make this possible. Consider cushions for support. Similarly, the work station should be ergonomically arranged. Try to make your chair as supporting as possible since that's where you spend most of your day. Also, wrist supports can help avoid carpel tunnel syndrome. If possible, consider an upright work station and try to take breaks every so often to get on your feet, moving around. Not only will this reduce your risk of lower back trouble, but it will increase your lifespan and make you feel better.
Obesity and Lack of Exercise
It's no secret that Americans are becoming more and more obese. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition has contributed to a national epidemic. Obesity adds additional strain to the muscles of the lower back. It throws off a person's center of balance. In addition to spending so much time sitting, it's hard for many people to find time to make it to the gym. Because of this lack of exercise, the muscles of the back can become weak and prime for strain and injury.Throw into the mix a sedentary lifestyle, and you've got a recipe for lower back problems. Obesity is a difficult problem to solve, but it can be done. Altering lifestyle and diet in manageable, sustainable ways can make a huge difference. When exercising, focus on strengthening the lower back to help offset this strain.
The most frequent cause of lower back pain is muscle strain. Lower back muscles can become strained through overexertion, repetitive actions, over-extension, and any host of physical activity, but most often these strains are exacerbated because of the presence of other factors, such as the ones we've discussed. It's vitally important that one be aware of the dangers of lower back pain especially when already dealing with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Sedentary Lifestyle
More and more Americans spend their days sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen. They work longer hours doing the same. At the end of the work day, they slump to a train or bus or car and resume the same position in order to sit in traffic before finally arriving home, where often they spend even more time sitting in front of a television. Because of this sedentary lifestyle, a person's back muscles can become weak and strained. It's difficult to change jobs, especially in today's economy, but there are things to be done that can help with this situation. First off, if you're going to spend so much time in your car, try to make it comfortable. Try to maintain a straight posture and avoid slumping; adjust your seat to make this possible. Consider cushions for support. Similarly, the work station should be ergonomically arranged. Try to make your chair as supporting as possible since that's where you spend most of your day. Also, wrist supports can help avoid carpel tunnel syndrome. If possible, consider an upright work station and try to take breaks every so often to get on your feet, moving around. Not only will this reduce your risk of lower back trouble, but it will increase your lifespan and make you feel better.
Obesity and Lack of Exercise
It's no secret that Americans are becoming more and more obese. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition has contributed to a national epidemic. Obesity adds additional strain to the muscles of the lower back. It throws off a person's center of balance. In addition to spending so much time sitting, it's hard for many people to find time to make it to the gym. Because of this lack of exercise, the muscles of the back can become weak and prime for strain and injury.Throw into the mix a sedentary lifestyle, and you've got a recipe for lower back problems. Obesity is a difficult problem to solve, but it can be done. Altering lifestyle and diet in manageable, sustainable ways can make a huge difference. When exercising, focus on strengthening the lower back to help offset this strain.
The most frequent cause of lower back pain is muscle strain. Lower back muscles can become strained through overexertion, repetitive actions, over-extension, and any host of physical activity, but most often these strains are exacerbated because of the presence of other factors, such as the ones we've discussed. It's vitally important that one be aware of the dangers of lower back pain especially when already dealing with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
