Living with back pain can be demoralizing for anyone but especially as we get older it can feel as if your body is working against you, preventing you from taking part in the things you love. Whether that's taking the dog for a walk or keeping on top of the gardening.
You may feel as if this is just part of growing older, that as you enter the later stages of your life you are bound to develop some form of pain, especially back pain.
But you'd be mistaken, often the most common causes of back pain are not just growing older but the mistakes you make along the way that have a negative impact on your back.
In this blog, you will learn 4 of the most common mistakes that can make your back pain worse in later life, so that you can either correct or prevent making these mistakes in the future.
The Effect Of Living With Back Pain
Not only does back pain cause physical discomfort but can also have an emotional impact on not just you but your family.
Everyday activities such as walking, gardening or even shopping are sometimes impossible due to sharp pains that can come on suddenly and make it hard to complete even simple tasks.
It can be difficult to watch the person you love struggle with something that they used to find so easy. Even when your family may try to support you, they are either reminded of how much your health has changed due to aging or you can become insulted at the idea you need help in the first place.
Living with back pain in later life can be difficult but it doesn’t have to stop you and your family from living your best life. By simply avoiding the most common mistakes/triggers you can significantly reduce your back pain.
Mistake 1 - Sitting For Too Long
If you've visited a doctor regarding your back pain you've probably been told to sit down and take it easy until the pain goes away.
However, prolonged sitting causes the spine to compress and can contribute to back pain, especially in older adults.
To avoid this, try taking breaks throughout the day and moving around for at least a few minutes every hour or so.
Mistake 2 - Sleeping On A Too Soft Mattress
You spend a third of your life sleeping, it is important that the sleep you're getting is good enough to allow your back to repair itself and prevent further damage.
A mattress needs to be supportive enough to keep your spine in proper alignment while you sleep.
If your mattress is too soft, it won’t do that and can lead to more back pain in the morning.
Consider investing in a firmer mattress for better support at night.
Mistake 3 - Lifting Heavy Objects Incorrectly
We appreciate that you want to stay mobile and contribute to your family's lives.
When you’re 55+ however, it’s important to be aware of your physical limitations lifting objects, especially heavier ones.
It's not that you should no longer do it, but rather it's important to use proper technique.
Try lifting with your legs instead of your back to reduce the pressure put on your back.
Mistake 4 - Not Stretching Enough
Stretching helps to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility in the spine, making it one of the best ways to prevent or alleviate chronic pain.
Try adding a few stretches to your morning and evening routines for maximum benefit.
Here are a few examples you can add to your routine today to reduce your back pain; Cat-Camel Stretch, Child's Pose, Knee-to-Chest Stretch, & Seated Spinal Twist.
Stretching is an easy yet effective way of relaxing the tension in your back and improving your mobility overall.
Are You Stuck With Agonizing Back Pain And Looking For A Permanent Solution?
Physical therapy is not only a proven treatment for back pain but it is also the fastest, by identifying the root cause of your back pain we can create a personalized treatment plan to target the source of your pain, significantly reducing it if not eliminating it completely.
Physical treatment can also aid in avoiding back discomfort altogether. When lifting objects, sitting for extended periods of time, or engaging in any other activity that could put a strain on your muscles and spine, proper body mechanics should be employed.
To help get you started we are offering a Free Back Pain Assessment. This assessment will allow you to spend 1 on 1 time with our expert team of physical therapists, get the answers to any of your questions regarding physical therapy, and most importantly set you on the road to recovery.
Simply click the link below to get started!
Arrange Your Free Back Pain Assessment Now
If you're still unsure about whether physical therapy is right for you or you're worried about making it into the clinic.
Why not call us at 254-362-2980 or contact us via email to find out more about physical therapy and how we can help you?
Additional Free Advice To Reduce Your Back Pain
More Information For Reducing Your Back Pain Visit Our Website - Chronic Back Pain