Tips for a Healthier Back

Stay flexible, if you are desk bound, move around every 30 minutes, do not get chained to your desk. Stay strong, go swimming and walking regularly or as often as you can. Avoid the driving range. Unfortunately, golf swings are of no help to people with back problems. Sit on a stability ball, try to sit on it for 15 minutes a day. Watch your weight, we all know that excess weight can cause so many problems for our health that we should always watch our weight. Don't sleep on a hard bed. Unbelievably these can really irritate back problems. If you're staying in a Hotel, ask if the bed is firm. Have a deep tissue massage  this can help back pain a great deal but make sure whoever gives it to you is fully qualified. Stay hydrated. Try not to pound the streets when you walk, make sure your shoes have good cushioning. Feel the pain sometimes rather than reaching straight out for the medication as it could be masking something. Always, always, always bend the knees when picking up anything or bending down. And for the women, don't carry your life around in your handbag. And for the men, don't carry too much in your computer bag. Don't watch too much television without a break to walk around. Most people now save and watch their favourite programmes until later so that they don't have to sit through the adverts, but this means you don't get up and walk around. Another one for the women, don't wear high heels all the time. The long-term effect can not only affect your back but also your feet. Get an accurate clinical diagnosis if your pain does not settle down after a few weeks. Don't smoke, it has been proven that people who smoke are more likely to have lower back pain. Never twist and bend at the same time.