Are You Committing These Back Pain Faux Pas?

Back pain varies from person to person and back pain problems become more common as you age. Lifestyle adjustments and back pain treatments can help relieve back pain. However, when you have a poor back, making a few blunders can interfere with pain relief. 

The dedicated pain management physicians at Pain Management Specialists in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland provide comprehensive patient-centered care. Our team has extensive experience helping patients get relief from back pain caused by issues like spinal conditions, nerve injuries, surgery, and cancer. 

For patients with back pain, effective management often involves a combination of approaches to treat pain from multiple angles. In this post, our team discusses some common mistakes that could be sabotaging your back pain management. 

Ignoring the ergonomics of your workspace

Overlooking workspace setup is a common mistake for people with back pain. Whether you're logging hours at the office or working from home, a workstation that doesn’t support your spine can lead to chronic back pain. 

Sitting for long periods without proper back support and alignment can strain your spine and muscles. Investing in an ergonomic chair, positioning your screen correctly, and ensuring that your knees are slightly lower than your hips when sitting can make a huge difference.

Skimping on exercise

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining spinal health, but it's often the first thing to skip when schedules get busy. Exercise keeps the muscles that support your spine strong and flexible, helping to prevent injuries and alleviate pain. 

Without it, you're more vulnerable to back pain. Incorporating strength training, flexibility exercises, and low-impact aerobic activities into your routine can help keep your back healthy. 

Overlooking poor posture

Poor posture isn't just bad for your spine, it paves the way for back pain and makes existing back pain worse. Slouching or hunching over your computer strains spinal discs and can lead to muscle imbalances. It’s important to be mindful of maintaining a neutral spine position throughout the day. 

If you have back pain, it’s especially beneficial to be aware of your posture and practice good posture regularly. When you’re using good posture the chin is parallel to the floor, ears are aligned with your shoulders, shoulders are back, and spine is neutral.

Lifting incorrectly

Poor lifting technique can make back pain worse. This common faux pas can lead to lower back injuries, including herniated discs and muscle strains. Good lifting technique means squatting down to lift anything heavy by bending at your knees and hips, keeping the load close to your body, and avoiding twisting your torso while lifting.

Neglecting restorative sleep

Sleep is essential for healing and repair, but poor sleeping positions can aggravate back problems. Sleeping on your stomach, for instance, can put unnecessary stress on your neck and back. Opt for sleeping on your back or side to maintain the natural curve of your spine, and consider using a pillow between or under your knees for additional support.

Expert back pain management

Minor adjustments to your daily life can have a major impact on your overall back health. Taking care of your back is a proactive process, and by addressing common faux pas, you can protect your spine health. If you’re dealing with back pain, contact the experts at Pain Management Specialists today.