Saturday, July 18, 2009

Take Prevention Against Lower Back Irritation

By Jim S Knolan

Did you know that back problems are one of the top 10 medical problems in the United States? It is estimated that over $50 billion a year is spent to diagnose and treat back related problems. Of course, some of these conditions are chronic stemming from degenerated diseases. However, the vast majority of these problems come from improper posture and lifting. These are preventable situations for low back pain.

The lower back consist of the spinal column. It is generally referred to as the five discs just below the thoracic cage. This is often referred to as the lumbar. These bones are stacked one on top of the other creating a column.

Each disc of the lumbar is separated by soft tissue areas. The soft tissue consists of tendons, ligaments and muscles. These provide for the flexibility of the spinal column. Maintaining the flexibility of these soft tissue areas helps with the vitality and longevity of the lumbar.

Certain conditions of low back pain are chronic and seriously painful. Fibromyalgia is such a disorder which is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is known for aches, fatigue and many tender points. Skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis can produce strain on the vertebrae and its supporting soft tissues.

There are other certain situations which we have full control of. We control how we stand and our posture. We also control are sitting position. Another critical area is lifting objects. By being aware of the proper techniques, we can help minimize stresses and strains on our lower back.

One of the first areas to look at is you are sitting position. You want to be able to sit up bright and if you work at a desk, have your arms supported. Many ergonomic chairs have the ability to adjust to best support the back. This will help minimize the stress and strain put on your lower back.

When you said, it is important that you are seated upright. If you lean too far back or forward this causes can uneven distribution of your weight. If you sit in an improper position, then this puts more stress and strain on your spine.

Many of the back problems which can be prevented are due to our posture. You should look at the types of shoes you wear and get ones that are comfortable and support your heel. Look at how you stand and the position of your spine. It is important to not maintain the same position for long periods of time as well.

It is amazing to see how many people lift objects with their back. They hunch over the item and put all the stress and strain on their spine. Meanwhile, the largest muscles in your body are not being effectively used. These would be your leg muscles. Instead, then your knees pick up the item and simply stand up.

It is important to lift objects properly by using your legs. It is like doing one big event. Put the object in front of you and bend at the knees until you can hold the object. Next straighten your legs back out while maintaining your back straight and in the upright position. This will put the weight of the object on your legs which are the largest muscles in your body.

A preventative method to use for strengthening the lower back and maintaining its vitality is stretching. To maximize flexibility of the soft tissues between the discs, you should develop a routine of back healthy activities. These back healthy activities include stretching exercises, walking and massage therapy. Get into a routine to maintain a healthy and flexible lumbar.

By maintaining the proper health of your spine, you can avoid many potential lower back problems. Of course, as we age we will lose some strength and flexibility. Therefore, it is vital to have a routine of back healthy activities. This will help ensure that you maintain the flexibility and strength to avoid potential injuries and enjoy many more activities.

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