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5 Ways to Reduce Your Low Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common symptoms of a spinal condition. The pain can be from an acute injury, which may or may not heal naturally over time, or from a chronic condition such as degenerative disc disease that leads to long-term pain.
At The Spine and Sports Center in Sugarland and Houston, Texas, Dr. Benoy Benny can diagnose the cause of your back pain and develop a customized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort. He can also recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce your low back pain.
The top reasons for lower back pain
Low back pain is often associated with wear and tear and aging, which lead to back pain that can be directly attributed to:
- Repetitive use damage
- A herniated (ruptured) disc
- Spinal arthritis
Low back pain can be made worse by your lifestyle. Identifying potential exacerbators of back pain and adjusting your habits may lead to reduced pain levels.
5 ways to reduce your low back pain
Is your lifestyle proving suboptimal for your spine health? Examine these areas of your life and see if there’s room for improvement.
1. Sitting habits
Your posture when sitting can significantly affect back pain levels. If you work sitting down, make sure your desk and chair are ergonomic, and that you’re not slouching or slumping. Both feet should be on the floor, and your monitor should be directly in your line of sight.
2. Standing habits
Standing in a slouched or hipshot position (with one hip lower than the other) can also cause strain on your lower back. Try being aware of your posture when standing in line or at events, making sure you don't lock your knees, your shoulders are squared, and your spine is straight.
3. Sleeping habits
A hard mattress can mean your hips and shoulders don’t sink in enough to allow your spine to be straight. A soft mattress can lead to the opposite problem. In either case, the bends in your spine can contribute to low back pain. Try side sleeping and using a body pillow or a smaller pillow between your knees to give you better spine posture at night.
4. Exercise habits
Exercise is important to strengthen the muscles that support your body, but the wrong kind of exercise can do more harm than good. For example, sit-ups may be a bad idea for your lower back. Discuss your workout regimen with Dr. Benny to find exercises that are safe for your lower back and that also help strengthen your core.
5. Eating habits
Your body needs healthy fuel like fresh fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These anti-inflammatory foods may be able to help reduce swelling around the bones and discs in your spine. This can have a double effect, easing your back pain while helping you drop any excess pounds that put a strain on your lumbar spine.
Need additional help managing your low back pain? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Benny today. You can get in touch by calling our location closest to you or booking an appointment online.
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