Apr 23 2009
Looking after your back.
Our backs are capable of some amazing actions. It allows us to touch our toes, bend sideways and yes, we can even bend over backwards. Okay, maybe you have to practice yoga for at least five years to do it. But it IS doable.
The thing is that we do not always think how hard out backs work for us. Neither do we look after it the way we should. So here are a few tips to help you remind how to look after your back.
1. Bend your knees when you want to pick up something. Again, bend your knees! This is what they are made for, so spare your back and bend those knees.
2. Do not try and be a hero and pick up or carry things that are too heavy. Go and call somebody to come and help you lift that heavy table. Back injuries happen easily and they take a long time to heal.
3. Work on your core muscles. That means doing does crunches, not sit-ups! To have a strong back means that you have to have strong stomach muscles to support it.
4. Sit up straight. It not only gives you good posture, but your stomach muscles are working and your back will not ache for hours after you have worked for a long time at the computer.
5. Try and loose some weight if you weigh too much. It will really reduce those back aches.
There you have it. Five tips to look after your back. Back ache is definitely something that can be avoided. Think of you back before it reminds you, with a pain, that it is there and working very hard for you.
