When it comes to back pain, there’s really no need for anyone to suffer in silence.
For some people, however, there seems to be almost an air of resignation that nothing can be done to make things better. So stop right there – now is the time to take control of your back health!
The recent Chiropractic Awareness Week was celebrated by our colleagues up and down the country. Here at Cleve Chiropractic, we encourage the #CleveFamily to take action, as research reveals that 80% of the nation will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime
In the UK, 10 million people are currently living with back problems and, as we emerge from the pandemic, the impact is continuing to be felt. During lockdown, cases of back pain rose by a third. Despite this, only 10% of people who experienced symptoms sought support from a GP or chiropractor, with 46% not taking any steps to ease their pain.
The good news is that, by actively making changes to your daily routine, the risk of developing a more challenging musculoskeletal condition can be reduced. Here are five top tips that the #CleveFamily can take to support their back health:
- Start the day right and keep on moving: Physical activity can be beneficial for managing back pain, so aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of movement into your day. It’s important that, if this is of a moderate to high intensity, you warm up and down properly to get your body ready to move. If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercises or seek some advice. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body, while keeping you mobile.
- Take a break: If you sit for long periods as part of your job, ensure you stand up and move around every 30 minutes – this is particularly important in for hybrid set-ups and working from home if you don’t have the right ergonomic office equipment.
- Lifting and carrying: If you’re taking on DIY or spring cleaning projects, remember to bend from the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy items. Face in the direction of movement and take your time. Hold the object as close to your body as possible and avoid carrying objects that are too heavy to manage alone – ask for help and use the right equipment.
- Sleep comfortably: The Sleep Council recommends buying a new mattress at least every seven years. Mattresses lose their support over time so, if you can feel the springs through yours, or it’s no longer level, you’re not getting the correct support. Everyone has different requirements – if you share a bed and require different mattress types, consider two singles that are designed to be joined together, to ensure you both get the support you need.
- Get some help: If your symptoms of back or joint pain last more than two weeks, or prevent you from carrying out your daily routines, see a chiropractor or GP for advice. You can find a registered chiropractor on the BCA’s ‘Find a Chiropractor’ page.
She said: “Feeling physically well positively impacts every aspect of how we live our day-to-day life, so maintaining good back health is extremely important. Lower back and neck pain specifically are the greatest causes of years lost to disability in the UK. In addition to this, musculoskeletal conditions account for 30% of all GP appointments.
“The good news is that there are simple steps that individuals can take to help alleviate symptoms. At the British Chiropractic Association, we want to raise awareness about these steps and show that anyone can be proactive about their back health. Easy changes can make a significant difference, but if your pain doesn’t reduce or is prolonged, you should always see a health professional for further guidance.”
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
