Lifestyle risk factors can impact the likelihood of developing back pain. Symptoms range from dull aches to severe pain. A back doctor at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics can diagnose back pain and offer customized care plans adapted to your needs. Here are some lifestyle changes that help promote back health:
Customized Exercise Program
Engaging in regular exercise can improve your back health. Exercise improves your alignment, as well as the core muscles that support your spine. Increasing flexibility and range of motion help make it easier to perform everyday tasks. Exercises for back health can include:
- Stretching and isometric
- Core-stabilization and resistance
- Walking and swimming
Yoga and Pilates, when done properly, can help improve posture and reduce back pain. Walking and other low-impact activities assist with spine mobility.
An experienced back doctor can create a customized exercise program as part of your back treatment plan. At Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics, this treatment plan may include non-surgical treatments such as steroid or PRP injections. The doctor can slowly introduce exercises to allow you to safely engage in them without exacerbating your back pain. Our team will adjust your movement plan depending on how you respond to treatment. Exercise during treatment helps promote circulation to recovering tissues, decreasing stiffness. It also prevents the back muscles from weakening.
Improved Posture
A back doctor from a clinic such as Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics will work with you to identify triggers for your back pain. Poor posture is one cause of back and neck pain, as it can place stress on the spine and break down the lower back structures. Standing with good posture is crucial to managing and preventing neck and back pain. Try to maintain neutral spine mechanics with every activity and position as much as possible. Avoid leaning forward or slouching.
Try to optimize your workstation to promote the best posture possible. A good ergonomic chair that is the right size for your body can help keep your spine aligned while providing a supportive seat. Having an adjustable-height desk allows you to switch between sitting and standing. Keep the top of your computer at eye level to prevent neck strain. Regular stretch breaks can help reduce muscle tension.
Sleep position also impacts back health. Use a high-quality mattress and pillow that maintains a neutral spine. Pillow thickness may depend on your body frame and your sleep position; a thicker pillow allows side sleeping, whereas a thinner pillow is for back sleeping. Sleeping on the stomach is discouraged, as this position can twist and increase uneven pressure on the spinal structures.
Correct Lifting Techniques
Using correct techniques when lifting heavy objects, whether you are at work, home, or in the gym. Bend with your hips and knees rather than your back, and use your leg muscles to strengthen your lift. The object should be held close to your body, avoiding twisting and lifting at the same time.
Meet With a Back Doctor
Our back doctor and specialist at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics does comprehensive physical examinations and reviews your medical and lifestyle history to help you identify the root causes of your back pain. To meet with a doctor, we invite you to complete our contact form today.