6 Bad Habits that could be harming your Back (Day 4).
Welcome to Daily Health Check with Dr. Gabby. We are still talking about Back pain relief.
We need to preserve our backs especially as we get older, therefore we should watch out for habits that can predispose us to having back pain:
Bad habits that could harm your Back
1 Not lifting heavy objects properly
You should learn how to properly bend when trying to lift objects so as to distribute the weight properly and not strain the back. Squat to pick heavy objects rather than bend forward.
2. Slouching when sitting
Probably when reading or working on the computer, this is not good for the back. If you do this too often you may be predisposed to early arthritis. learn to sit straight.
3. Your Bed
. Have you ever thought that the mattress you sleep on may be the cause of your back pain? If You wake up every morning and have unexplainable pain, you may need to check your mattress. How firm is your mattress? is it indented in different places? If your mattress is not firm enough to support your back then it may be time to change it.
4. How You Sleep
Still on sleeping, could the way you sleep be affecting your back? Sleeping on your tummy may worsen back pain. The better way to sleep is on your back with a small pillow under your knees or sleep on your side. Could you be inadvertently worsening your back pain by your sleeping habits?
5. Shoes
For the ladies, Wearing high heels for too long may affect your posture and strain your back, If it is a dress culture in the office you can wear flat shoes or slippers on your way to work and back home while limiting wearing of the heels to only the office.
6. Overloading your bag,
If the weight of what you are carrying in your bag is too much, it may affect your back over time. Check the contents of your bag or backpack. Do you really need all the things you are carrying? Can you leave the things in a secure locker at work or at school? Think about this.
Join me tomorrow as we talk about tests and treatment for back pain.
This is Dr Gabby wishing you a great day. Stay healthy.