Back pain prevention

Taking care of your back can really reduce the chance of you suffering from back and spinal problems.  Carrying out the following are great for back pain prevention:

Movement

Our spines were designed to move.  One common misconception is that if you can get into a perfect ergonomic position that’s fine.  We have found that while it may be possible to sit still in an ergonomically sound position for longer than a poor one, sitting still is the bigger issue rather than necessarily the position adopted.  If you regularly change the position you’re in, the workload is shifted onto other muscles.

There are back supports available to promote a correct back posture.  If you can find a support that provides both sound ergonomic support as well as providing the ability (indeed encouragement) to move, you are fulfilling the biomechanical needs of your spine and doing everything that you can to help.  The Dynaspine Back Support is the only product available that provides this form of dynamic support.

Posture

Maintaining correct posture is also important to prevent backache and other back problems.  Good posture means that the spine is aligned correctly and supports the head.  If we do not have correct posture, our muscles have to work harder to provide support for the head.  This can often strain the muscles and lead to back pain.  The Dynaspine Lumbar Support provides optimal support for your spine, so the correct posture is encouraged whilst still allowing for movement, which is essential as mentioned above!  

Footwear

There is an understandable association between the causes of back pain and our feet. Standing and walking upright places a huge strain across our joints and as our foundations, the feet must bear our weight and provide a return of energy up through the body. If there is a change in the way our feet work, we might expect problems to occur in the rest of the body; and this is exactly what we do see.

One of the reasons for this is that our feet work in concert with the leg above. As we move, natural loading and turning forces are resisted in all the foot and leg joints. Walking involves a lowering and lifting of the arch of the foot (sometimes called the cycle of pronation) and controlling this with our leg and foot muscles, helps us to move without pain. If the posture of our feet begins to alter, this natural movement is altered. Muscles, joints and ligaments can become strained and pain may result.

Furthermore, as the posture of the foot is weakened, it can provoke changes in alignment all the way up the chain of our skeleton, including the spine. To prevent this, specialists will often recommend an orthosis (shoe insert, e.g. Quadrastep) that will help to restore normal function and this can help to relieve some back pain problems.

However, selecting the correct footwear can help to reduce the incidence and severity of back pain. A secure cupping of the heel with an adjustable fastening can help to support the arch of the foot, particularly when an orthosis is used. The forepart of the shoe should be flexible across the joints of the forefoot as this will encourage a normal walking pattern. Try to avoid excessive use of higher heeled shoes if you are susceptible to back pain. The change in the foot and ankle angle can lead to changes in the alignment of the lower spine and result in significant problems.

Providing that we are pain and symptom free, fashionable shoes including those with higher heels will not necessarily cause problems. In fact for many, wearing a shoe with a moderate heel can feel more comfortable.

Consulting with your back specialist to discuss how your feet might be causing your back pain may help you to understand more about the best type of footwear for you.  You will also find that a back support such as Dynaspine can provide considerable back pain relief.  The Dynaspine Lumbar Support and Dynaspine Chairs will provide you with much needed support and flexibility, so less pressure is placed on your spine and surrounding discs and muscles.

Body weight

Our body weight can have a massive impact on whether we suffer from back pain or not.  The lower back is particularly at risk as it supports most of the weight of the torso and stomach, so increased body weight means the lower back has to provide extra support.  This can lead to added muscle stress and back problems. 

Maintaining a healthy diet and making sure you participate in regular exercise helps.  The more exercise you do builds the muscles around your spine so it becomes stronger and has a greater ability to support the stresses and strains we place on our back.     

Mattress

When selecting a mattress you should choose one that is firm enough to help support your spine, but not too firm that additional pressure is placed on the spinal joints and muscles.

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