Quit Smoking To Reduce Back Pain
Smoking is a pain in the back. By now, we all know the serious side affects that smoking can cause, but did you know that smoking worsens back pain as well?
Researchers at Northwestern University found that ‘people who smoke are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain that those who do not smoke.’
Another research article published shows that ‘when smoking and nonsmoking back pain patients were compared, the smokers showed significantly higher levels of emotional distress, they tended to remain inactive, and they relied on medication more often than the nonsmoking patients.’
Lose Weight, Exercise & Change Your Diet To Decrease Back Pain
Not only is weight loss great for the way you look, but it’s also AMAZING for your back. I’ve had countless patients with chronic back pain for years that had a significant reduction or total elimination of pain after they reached their ideal, healthy weight. Additional weight adds extra stress to the joints in the body, so shed those extra pounds and watch the aches and pains melt away!
Weight loss goes hand in hand with healthy eating, exercise, stretching and drinking water. A diet full of anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, veggies and grains) will significantly reduce discomfort in itself.
Of course, daily exercise and stretching has been shown time and again to decrease and eliminate it as well. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches and muscle tension, so drink up! Try to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
Reduce Your Time On Technology To Decrease Back Pain!
The more sedentary we are, the more pain we will have. I assure you of this. Our bodies are structured for movement and, unfortunately, the daily time we spend on computers and cell phones and tablets is forever increasing.
So, what can you do? You can’t quite your job, right?! Set alarms on your computer or phone to encourage breaks away from technology to stretch/get up and move around. Get outside and take a walk in nature to change your atmosphere, decrease stress and increase movement. Better yet, drink 8 bottles of water throughout the day, which will make you go to the bathroom more, getting you up and moving around (and out of that darn chair)!
Looking down at your cell phone or tablet for hours at a time can put a serious strain on your back as well. This is why we created The Posture Protector App!
The App alerts you by dimming your screen, vibrating or beeping when you slouch while using your mobile device, ensuring you maintain proper posture to prevent text neck, neck pain and headaches.
So, there you have it! 3 habits to break to help your back pain! Get started today, you’re back will surely thank you!
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