With the global pandemic in mind, the past two years have been extremely difficult for all, and as a result, BackCare Awareness Week 2021 (4th to 8th October) will be paying particular attention to:
- Working from Home
- Studying at Home
- Spending more time at Home
We have not forgotten those who are still working in offices, factories, schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals too. BackCare Awareness Week 2021 has something for everyone.
Back pain is now the world’s leading cause of human disability together with related musculoskeletal conditions. But contrary to popular belief, back pain is not just an adult problem as some studies show that young students are experiencing the same issue too.
Back pain is a major health issue around the globe and can get costly depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
Although pain can be a very distressing symptom, for most people with back pain, the pain does not represent a serious medical condition. Knowing what is causing your back pain, and the best way of responding may take away some of the concerns you have when experiencing back pain.
Good back care is not only focused on preventing back pain from striking in the first place, but also on trying to prevent the negative consequences of back pain. As we take advantage of this week’s awareness topic, you can read more about what you can do to keep your back fit and healthy. Here are some tips for looking after your back:
- Exercise regularly
- Always bend your knees and hips, not your back
- Always lift and carry objects close to your body
- Maintain a good posture – avoid slumping in your chair
- Use a chair with a backrest.
- Sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
- Change how you sit every few minutes
- Lose any excess weight
It used to be thought that bed rest would help you recover from a bad back, but it’s now recognized that people who remain active are likely to recover more quickly. This may be difficult at first if the pain is severe, but moving around as frequently as possible you and aiming to do a little more each day can help to ease backache.
The most important and relevant question, is how do you take care of your spine?
The spine is among the most important components of the human body and plays a number of different roles in daily function. Avoiding injury to the spine and promoting optimal spinal health is essential to preserving proper function and supporting optimal quality of life for patients of all ages.
A Healthy Lifestyle is Essential to Spine-Health – One of the most powerful things that you can do to boost the health of your spine is to engage in a healthy way of life. This includes eating a wide variety of healthy foods, making exercise a part of your daily life, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Strengthening your abdominal muscles is another way to provide support to the pelvis and lower back, which are critical in supporting the spine. By providing your body with the nutrients and physical activity that it needs to thrive, you will also be preserving the health of your spine, and boosting the body’s natural ability to address minor injuries to the tissues surrounding the spine.
Get Plenty of Quality Sleep – In order to function at the highest possible level, your body requires regular periods of rest. Spine health can be greatly enhanced by putting sleep at the top of your priority list. That means not only getting plenty of sleep at night but also preparing a sleeping environment that will contribute to quality rest. Choosing a quality mattress and pillows can help make sleep more restful. Also, the best sleep positions are on your back or side, as sleeping on your stomach offers little in the way of spine support.
Learn Healthy Spine Habits – The activities that we perform over the course of the average day can have a big impact on the health of our spine. It is important to use proper lifting techniques, even when lifting objects that are not excessively heavy. Avoid twisting while lifting, as well as lifting heavy items over waist level. Attempt to move items using the method that is least likely to lead to injury, such as pushing an item rather than pulling it. Be sure to ask for help as needed, and never attempt to lift or move a heavy object on your own.
Make Simple, Everyday Changes – Many of us perform tasks throughout the day that can be harmful to our spine health, often without even knowing it. Take the time to assess your daily choices, and make adjustments where needed to avoid injury or undue stress to the spine. This means wearing shoes that provide the right level of support and taking plenty of breaks to avoid remaining in the same position for too long. If you work in an office setting, be sure to create a workstation that allows for good posture, as well as the support of the lower part of the spine while sitting. If possible, make use of a work surface that adjusts to allow standing for part of the day, or a shelf to elevate your computer monitor to eye level.
Call the Doctor – If your back pain doesn’t go away after 4 weeks or if you have long-term pain that lasts beyond 12 weeks and keeps you from carrying on with your daily activities, see your doctor. They can help pinpoint the cause of your pain and may suggest new therapies. Get medical attention right away if your legs tingle, feel numb, or are weak.
AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.
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