By Ben Croxford
We’re all familiar with the age-old adage, ‘Prevention is better than the cure’.
Nowhere does this ring truer than in the realm of low back pain.
Treating back pain can be a complex, difficult and frustrating process – so what can you do to protect your back and minimise the likelihood of injury?
First things first, your back needs to be exercised.
Our spine is tough and robust and loves bending, twisting and lifting.
These things don’t hurt your back, they strengthen your back.
Exercising toughens up the muscles, ligaments and discs of your spine and keeps your back agile and flexible.
The opposite of moving – sitting and other prolonged postures – is literally the worst thing you can do for your back.
We live in the age of computers, TVs, office jobs and cars – so it shouldn’t be a surprise that statistics suggest back pain is more prevalent now than it has
ever been.
There are lots of forms of exercise that help to prevent back pain.
This can include Pilates, strength training and even walking.
However, research suggests that almost every type of exercise out there can reduce the risk of low back pain!
It’s important to remember that if your back is deconditioned or you have a history of injuries and pain, you do need to be careful and build into new exercise routines safely.
Sometimes it is best to get some guidance in the most appropriate and effective ways to exercise.
The risk of developing back pain is also strongly correlated with being overweight, poor diet and low sleep-quality – suggesting to us that maintaining a healthy lifestyle both significantly prevents and treats low back pain.
So, if you really want to look after your back, get out there and get moving!
Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form and Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park.
His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health.
Find out more at formandpractice.com.au
