Arthritis, injuries, and skeletal irregularities are just some of the many reasons your back might be aching, causes that may be out of your control. Sometimes, however, your back pain is a result of poor lifestyle choices, and you have the power to find relief through simple adjustments.
At Nebben Physical Medicine in Clarksville, Tennessee, Dr. John Bassell and our experienced team are dedicated not only to treating your back pain but equipping you with the education, support, and guidance you need to live a pain-free life.
Your back is a complex structure with important jobs to do. It consists of a variety of muscles, nerves, and bones all responsible for bearing weight, protecting your spinal cord, and providing flexibility and motion. It’s second only to the brain in terms of nerve concentration.
The spinal cord, which is protected by the 33 bones that make up your spine, is the headquarters for all of the peripheral nerves that branch out into your body.
With so many nerves and tissues in one area, it’s no wonder it’s so easy to injure your back and suffer significant pain.
It’s easy to understand how a car accident or a disease like arthritis can put your back out of commission and interrupt your normal routine. When there’s no medical condition or injury present, figuring out the source of your back pain can be much more frustrating.
Consider these pain-inducing lifestyle factors if your pain seems to come from nowhere:
Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or spend a little too much time on the couch, not getting enough daily exercise puts you at risk for back pain. Weakened, unused muscles make it much harder for your back to do its job properly, and you’re left with a stiff, painful back.
We recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Try going for a walk, doing some yoga, or swimming. The movement loosens and strengthens your muscles.
If you’re carrying a few extra pounds, chances are your back is paying the price. The extra weight puts undue stress on your spine and muscles, resulting in significant aches and pains.
We offer a medical weight loss program that can help you shed a few pounds. Healthy weight loss can reduce your back pain and improve your overall health.
Smoking puts you at risk for a whole slew of health problems, including increased risk of back pain. It reduces the amount of blood flowing to your lower back, which prevents the discs in your spine from getting the nutrients they need.
Your spine is perfectly designed to hold up your body weight and protect important nerves. Bad posture ruins the precise curvature, which can damage the discs in your spine and disrupt how your back distributes your weight.
Be sure that your head is placed squarely above your shoulders and you’re sitting and standing upright with your weight evenly distributed. Avoid slouching or slumping when standing or sitting. Talk to Dr. Bassell about other posture-improving exercises and strategies.
Whether you’re a manual laborer or avid gym-goer, lifting heavy objects improperly can severely injure your back, especially if you already have posture issues. Try lifting heavy objects using your legs and knees, with your back straight.
You can significantly reduce your risk of injury with better lifting techniques. Dr. Bassell can show you how to lift things with less risk to your back and spine.
Dr. Bassell and our team are experts when it comes to back pain. We can provide you with the guidance and lifestyle adjustments you need to start feeling relief.
If you’re still experiencing pain even with healthier habits, we offer a comprehensive list of treatments to help you get rid of your pain, including:
Living with back pain isn’t really living. Don’t spend another day in pain when our friendly team of specialists has the pain-relieving treatment you need. If you’d like more information or would like to get started with a consultation, call our office or schedule an appointment online today.
