Small Habits Can Add Up To Big Pain
Nearly 80% of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in a lifetime. For some people, pain happens immediately after an injury or bending the wrong way. For others, back pain creeps up over time, after a series of bad habits leads to chronic discomfort. Consider these 4 daily habits that can increase back pain over time.
1. Hunching at your desk
With many people sitting at a computer all day long, the opportunity for back pain is higher than ever. Set up a work station where the computer screen is at eye level, and the elbows can rest in a 90-degree position. Avoid slumping forward and rounding the shoulders. Additionally, try to practice the same proper posture while sitting as while standing. Keep the feet flat on the floor with the legs at a 90-degree angle. Choose a chair that supports the lower back all day long.
2. Sleeping on your back
People who sleep on the back may put undue pressure on the spine. Instead, try sleeping on the side and use a firm pillow for proper neck support and alignment. If sleeping on the back is a must, use a pillow underneath the knees to slightly elevate the legs and relieve pressure on the spine. People who do this can cut spinal stress in half.
3. Wearing the wrong shoes
Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled will add up to a backache after a while. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes will reduce the strain on the back when a person is standing. Choosing the right shoes is especially important for people who spend long hours on their feet, such as nurses or construction workers. Opt for shoes that have less than a one-inch heel and have arch support.
4. Lighting up a cigarette
Smoking is an incredibly harmful health habit for the lungs, heart, and all other organs. People who smoke are much more likely to experience back pain than non-smokers. Nicotine restricts blood flow and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Over time, this can lead to cracked or herniated discs in the spine, which are among the most common reasons for chronic back pain.
What can I do?
One of the best things a person can do for back pain is to stretch every day. For people at desk jobs, make sure to get up and stretch at least once an hour. Many people experience significant benefits from stretching for 10-15 minutes every night before bed or every morning after getting up. Additionally, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can decrease the risk of chronic pain. For more information about managing back pain, speak with a healthcare provider.
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
