The good news is — it’s manageable. Understanding your symptoms and risk factors is a great way to keep your lower back strong — and to make sure it stays that way.
Whether sitting, walking, standing, or lifting, good posture reduces the overall stress to your lower back.
Emotional stress often leads to muscle tension, which can result in low back pain.
These injuries are usually the result of small tears in the muscles and ligaments of your lower back.
This condition generally occurs in people over the age of 50, and can lead to disc deterioration, decreased disc space, and bone spurs.
This occurs when a disc between two vertebrae starts slipping out of place, which can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause considerable pain.
No, this doesn’t mean you should lie in bed all day. It’s best to use a combination of rest and activity as designated by your doctor.
These can be used interchangeably based on what’s comfortable for you.
We know, we know. You’ve heard this before. But we promise — it really works.
Remember, everything in moderation. Gentle and simple exercises and stretches are best.
Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers (but talk to your doctor first).
This list of do’s and don’ts can help you learn how to lift the right way.
Although swapping your office chair for a sectional may sound pretty great, the truth is that working this way for a long period of time can increase your risk for low back pain.
Do your lower back a favor and practice these working-from-home tips:
Before clocking in from your couch, make sure to prep your back with some morning stretches. Your lower back will thank you at the end of the day.
Ideally, you’ll be sitting in a chair. If you’ve snagged one from your dining room table, use a cushion or rolled-up towel for extra support.
Got a dictionary or a couple old yearbooks lying around? Now you can finally
put them to good use. Raising your screen to eye-level will help you to avoid
slouching.
Having your feet flat on the floor creates a stable base. If your feet don’t reach
the floor, see if you can put them on a cushion or box.
Step away from your makeshift workspace every 30 minutes or so. When you
give your brain and body a rest, you’ll be all the more productive when you
return to work.
From there, your doctor can diagnose the source of your pain and develop a plan for treatment. They may even refer you to a specialist, such as a physical therapist.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention ASAP: