Back pain is more common than you’d think, with recent data showing that 80% of the nation will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. This Chiropractic Awareness Week (4-10 April), we’re encouraging the Brits to improve their back health.
Did you know there are currently 10 million people in the UK living with back pain? What’s more, research from the British Chiropractic Association found that cases of back pain rose by a third during the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. Despite this increase, only 10% of people experiencing symptoms sought support from a GP or chiropractor, with 46% of people not taking any steps at all to tackle their back pain, indicating a large portion of the population is still living with daily symptoms into 2022.
Whilst these numbers may seem high, by actively taking simple steps as part of your daily routine evidence shows that symptoms and the risk of developing a more challenging musculoskeletal condition can be reduced.
Here are our five top tips for better back health
1. Start the day right and keep on moving
Physical activity can be beneficial for managing back pain, so aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of movement into your day. It’s important that if this is of a moderate to high intensity you warm up and down properly to get your body ready to move. If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercise or seek some advice. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body while keeping you mobile!
2. Take a break
If you sit for long periods of time as part of your job, ensure you stand up and move around every 30 minutes – particularly so for hybrid work setups and working from home if you don’t have ergonomic office equipment.
3. Lifting and carrying
If you’re taking on DIY or spring-cleaning projects this Easter, remember to bend from the knees, not the waist when lifting heavy items. Face in the direction of movement and take your time. Hold the object as close to your body as possible, and where you can avoid carrying objects which are too heavy to manage alone, ask for help or use the necessary equipment.
4. Sleep comfortably
The Sleep Council recommends buying a new mattress at least every seven years (well of course they would, wouldn’t they!). Mattresses lose their support over time, so if you can feel the springs through your mattress, or the mattress is no longer level, your mattress is no longer providing the support you need. Everyone has different support requirements, so when purchasing your mattress ensure it is supportive for you. If you share a bed and require different mattress types, consider two single mattresses which are designed to be joined together, to ensure you both get the support you need.
For our complete Guide to the Best Mattress to Help Back Pain click here
5. Get support
If your symptoms of back or joint pain last more than two weeks, or prevent you from carrying out your daily routines, book an appointment to see us.