How to Prevent Lower Back Pain from Setting In
Lower back pain afflicts hundreds of thousands of people in this country. For most, it gradually sets in without no apparent cause. I get this a lot in my practice.
One common denominator in many patients who have lower back pain is a sedentary job. These patients sit for the most part of their workday, usually at a computer station. Although it seems harmless, sitting for extended periods sets the stage for problems to occur.
For one, sitting inactivates the postural muscles along the spine. These are the muscles that move your back in precise angles. If you spend years sitting at a desk, muscle coordination weakens, and the next time you reach down to pick something off the floor, your back muscles can fail you, resulting in a strain injury. The back muscles need to be engaged most of the time for proper function.
According to James A. Levine, MD, PhD and Mayo Clinic researcher, the “physiology of inactivity” results in a variety of immediate, undesirable effects. For instance, inactivity impedes the ability to metabolize fat and sugar and it also elevates triglycerides, potentially raising the risk for cardiovascular disease. Prolonged sitting weakens muscles, which can lead to back pain, arthritis and joint problems. Previous research has demonstrated that sitting for long periods suppresses lipase, an enzyme involved in fat metabolism that is produced only when leg muscles flex — low levels are associated with heart disease and other illnesses. Sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone metabolism, also are affected, Dr. Levine noted, adding that “these impact all aspects of physical and emotional states.”
So, to reduce your chances of developing lower back pain and all the other problems Dr. Levine mentions, get off your chair and move– make it habitual; do whatever it takes to break away from your desk and do some brief stretching. It will pay off in big dividends. Getting your spine adjusted periodically is also a good, preventative measure. Chiropractic adjustments physically move restricted vertebrae, promoting joint hydration and lubrication.
Dan Perez, DC
San Ramon Chiropractor
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- Lower Back Pain Causes: The Information You Need (fitnesstipsforlife.com)
- How Does Pilates Relieve Lower Back Pains? | Back Pain Never Again (neverbackpain.com)
- Spinal Manipulation for Pain Management (everydayhealth.com)
A few lifestyle changes can improve our nation’s health and save our country a lot of money: Eat less food. Eat healthier food. Exercise. Don’t smoke. Get adjusted by your chiropractor. These simple lifestyle choices will all have a positive long-term impact on your health.