3 Important Things to Know About Your Spine and Health Problems

Roughly 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, making it one of the most prevalent health complaints in the country.

However, many of us don’t understand the structure of our spine, nor do we take the time to understand our spine and health problems. Whether you have strained back muscles, a herniated disk, or non-specific pain, you should work to understand how taking care of your back can ease the worst of your symptoms. Here are three important things to know.

1. Back Surgery Isn’t Always the Cure

Though it’s certainly possible for a back or spinal injury to be the culprit when it comes to pain, many of us suffer from what’s known as “non-specific back pain.”

This type of pain can be frustrating because doctors can’t pinpoint the issue. Because the spinal system is both complicated and vulnerable, even specialists sometimes have difficulty identifying specific causes for pain.

However, experts agree that this type of back pain is often mechanical in nature, meaning that the causes may be poor posture, joint wear and tear, or muscle weakness.

Even though this type of chronic pain can be severe, back surgery may not be the right choice—and for many, it may not even lessen the pain. Instead, you should consider alternative options over back surgery, working on posture, strengthening, and flexibility to enhance the mechanical structure of your back.

2. Muscle Endurance Helps

When you’re suffering from a bout of pain, the last thing you may want to do is strengthening exercises. However, weight lifting and strengthening exercises have actually been shown to reduce low back pain.

This is true of your back muscles in general. However, it’s just as important to focus on the muscles in your core.

It’s also worth noting that the goal here isn’t bulk strength but endurance. When your muscles can hold a healthy back posture for longer, you’ll be on your way to a healthier back.

3. Good Posture Is Critical

If you’ve had spine-related issues for a while, you likely knew this tip was coming. However, even though most of us know in theory that better posture helps, it doesn’t keep us from slouching.

Learn to find your neutral spine position, and work on preserving that position wherever you are. This may include investing in an ergonomic desk or chair and a supportive bed. It means working to adjust your lifting techniques and walking posture, as well as wearing footwear that supports your back as you walk.

Make good posture a key focus area to get into the long-term habit, and many of your lower spine issues may disappear on their own.

Understand Your Spine and Health

Setting aside time to focus on good posture habits and strengthening exercises can mean the difference between slow recovery and continued pain. Knowing how to care for your spine and health problems can make it easier to achieve comfort in your everyday life, so take the time to make it happen!

Looking for more of the insider life tips you should keep in mind? Check out our other posts for more helpful insights.