Prevention is better than a cure
So to help keep your spine happy and healthy, we have put together 5 habits you can adopt today.1.’Reverse the curve’ regularly
With our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, our low backs spend much more time in a ‘c’ curve: To help maintain your spinal mobility, you should frequently aim to ‘reverse the curve’ by extending your back. Aim to do at least 10x twice per day, but even more frequently if you are feeling stiff.
2. Pay attention to your spinal position
When sitting Use a lumbar support and avoid soft couc
hes you can slump in
When standing
Wear supportive shoes
When lifting
Stretch backwards (as above) before and after you lift and use good lifting technique by maintaining a neutral spine
3. Brace your muscles
Brace to support your back by gently drawing in your lower abdominals BEFORE you lift, push, pull or do anything that requires exertion.4. Increase your level of activity
This is especially important if you work at a desk or spend a lot of time sitting. Increasing the amount you move through the day can help significantly in reducing your risk of injury. Exercise like walking, swimming or Pilates/yoga are all great options.5. Listen to your body
Recognise the ‘Warning signs’ These might include:- Stiffness after you’ve been sitting or first thing in the morning
- Occasional twinge of pain with movement
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Lie down to rest; don’t sit
- Continue to gently move/exercise and use heat if it helps
BONUS TIP
If after 24 hours your pain is not significantly improved, call your physio! Effective early management is key.* GLOW’s Physios are experts at treating acute low back pain. We will come to you, treat you at home and have you feeling back to normal in no time.*