Tips To Protect Your Low Back

Here at Shields Chiropractic, we think the spine is amazing! It holds our bodies up while we stand, lift, twist, bend, and so much more. Most of us take our spines for granted. That is, until something goes wrong! Lower back injuries are one of the most common injuries we see. As the spine bends and twists, the low back endures most of the strain. Many lower back pain episodes are caused by muscle strain. Here are some tips to help you prevent lower back injury:

Prevent Lower Back Injury:

1. Exercise: A strong core is an excellent way to provide your lower back with support. Try core exercises like planks, crunches, and leg raises to develop that strength. Even simple movements like walking every day can help increase motion to the spine.
2. Correct That Posture. Poor posture puts an unnecessary amount of pressure on the lower back. If you work in an office, be sure to use an ergonomic chair and get up, stretch, and walk around every hour.
3. Lift Object Carefully. It doesn't matter how old you are or how strong you are, you can seriously injure your spine if you don't lift objects correctly and carefully. Use proper form for heavy lifting and remember the saying, "lift with your legs, not with your back!".
4. Stretch It Out. Stretching is a great method to decrease pressure on the spine. Tight hamstrings, in particular, can cause stress on the low back. Simple hamstring stretches will decrease the pressure on your pelvis, and in turn provide relief to your low back.

By taking care of your lower back, you can help to prevent injury from occurring in the first place. Regular chiropractic adjustments are the best way to make sure your spine is healthy. Contact us to schedule your next appointment!

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