Back problems generally begin with an early morning pain which goes away as you move about. But, if you ignore the symptoms, it can become acute.
One sudden incident, a jerk or a wrong move, will be enough to throw you off-balance. The best cure therefore is to take care as you go about your daily routine.
TRAVEL RIGHT
One has to navigate through the city’s potholed roads to get anywhere, but try and avoid bumpy routes. Never slouch on the seat, it weakens the back muscles. Let your back rest properly on the seat when you travel by train or car. Else, use a cushion to support the back, and fasten your seat belt.
SIT RIGHT
Even if you have to spend hours in front of the computer, ensure that the screen is at eye level. Sit erect while working on your computer. Also, opt for ergonomically-designed swivel chairs instead of the regular ones; straining to sit or get up from a chair, especially if you have to twist the spine, will cause injury.
SIT TIGHT
Don’t sit in one position for long. Get up to stretch whenever you can, whether at work, driving or on long flights. Sit squarely on your bottom, pull in your abdomen, keep the lower back straight and rest your feet on a footstool.
BEND IT LIKE...
Never lift things from the ground by bending the back directly. Instead, bend your knees and then bend down to pick up an object.
SIX PACK TO BAD BACK
People often tend to increase their weights drastically in their bid to obtain a six-pack. Instead, increase the weights gradually as back muscles need to be trained to accept them.
GOOD ZZZZ...
Use a medium-firm mattress rather than a very firm one for back support. Use pillows to support the neck, but not to the extent that they push your head and neck into odd angles.
WASHING DISHES
While washing dishes, move close to the sink, so that you don’t have to reach out for the tap. If you do, reach out sideways, as this puts less strain on your back. Take a break every five minutes.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Regular exercise and diet control are a must. Women should exercise regularly, or else they may invite back pain, especially during periods, and after childbirth as muscles become weak during pregnancy.
 Backpain (Getty Images) |
TRAVEL RIGHT
One has to navigate through the city’s potholed roads to get anywhere, but try and avoid bumpy routes. Never slouch on the seat, it weakens the back muscles. Let your back rest properly on the seat when you travel by train or car. Else, use a cushion to support the back, and fasten your seat belt.
SIT RIGHT
Even if you have to spend hours in front of the computer, ensure that the screen is at eye level. Sit erect while working on your computer. Also, opt for ergonomically-designed swivel chairs instead of the regular ones; straining to sit or get up from a chair, especially if you have to twist the spine, will cause injury.
SIT TIGHT
Don’t sit in one position for long. Get up to stretch whenever you can, whether at work, driving or on long flights. Sit squarely on your bottom, pull in your abdomen, keep the lower back straight and rest your feet on a footstool.
BEND IT LIKE...
Never lift things from the ground by bending the back directly. Instead, bend your knees and then bend down to pick up an object.
SIX PACK TO BAD BACK
People often tend to increase their weights drastically in their bid to obtain a six-pack. Instead, increase the weights gradually as back muscles need to be trained to accept them.
GOOD ZZZZ...
Use a medium-firm mattress rather than a very firm one for back support. Use pillows to support the neck, but not to the extent that they push your head and neck into odd angles.
WASHING DISHES
While washing dishes, move close to the sink, so that you don’t have to reach out for the tap. If you do, reach out sideways, as this puts less strain on your back. Take a break every five minutes.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Regular exercise and diet control are a must. Women should exercise regularly, or else they may invite back pain, especially during periods, and after childbirth as muscles become weak during pregnancy.
