Q: I have been through a chiropractic treatment plan for low back pain and got very good results. I was not instructed on caring for my spine myself however and wondered if you have any tips for me to follow.
A: Back pain afflicts millions of Americans. Regular chiropractic treatment, including preventive maintenance visits, are a good way to keep your spine and the rest of your body healthy. Here are some other things you can do to keep your back healthy over the long haul:
Keep your weight under control. The more weight you carry, the greater the strain on your back.
Sleep on a mattress that supports, not sags. Likewise, use a pillow that supports your head at a comfortable angle.
Watch your posture. Stay as erect as possible, trying to keep your head directly over your shoulders. Poor posture can contribute to arthritis and disc degeneration.
Posture while lifting is also important. When lifting bend at the knees, rather than at the waist, keep your back straight and let the legs do the work while you hold the weight close to your chest.
Stay hydrated. You should drink six to eight glasses of water a day – or ½ of your body weight in ounces. Dehydration affects every part of your body, including muscles and the discs that cushion the vertebrae of the spine.
Stretch regularly. If you know how, everything you would do in regards to stretching can be done easily with very inexpensive equipment like a physio ball and a band. Learn how to do it appropriately first so you don’t hurt yourself.
Control your stress. If there is one thing that can make you feel lousy, including increased back pain, it is too much stress chronically. If you cant control a situation, then there is no good coming from your fretting over it. forgive, forget and move on, you are only hurting yourself.
Talk with your chiropractor about other lifestyle considerations that will contribute to a healthy back.
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