4 Easy Ways to Prevent Back Pain

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While back pain can be extremely debilitating, so much of it is caused by our own habits. Unfortunately, a lot of people learn about habits that can exacerbate and increase the chances of back pain only when they're experiencing it. But by being aware of what living habits can trigger back pain, you can start making life changes and keep it at bay. Here are some easy ways that you can reduce your chances of dealing with back pain.

Be More Active

Some people wrongly believe that the best way to relieve back pain is through rest. But stagnation and inactivity are the biggest culprits when it comes to back pain. Being too lethargic can soften your lower back muscles which are essential for good posture and back health. If you're dealing with back pain, 1 or 2 days of rest may be beneficial, but you should try to get active as soon as you can. Anything that works the muscles in your lower back will help. Regular exercise can also relieve muscle tension and inflammation.

Improve Your Mattress

Your mattress can also play a major role when it comes to back pain. As a rule, you should try to stay away from a mattress that is too soft, but don't go for a mattress that is too firm either. A mattress that is too soft won't give you the support that you need and a mattress that's too firm won't allow your spine to be aligned in a natural position.

The best solution for a mattress that is too firm is to buy a mattress topper. It will give your spine just the right curvature and will give you all the support benefits of the mattress below. If you're looking for a good mattress for back pain, you can check a site like Mattress Test for reviews.

Try to Lose Weight

Excess weight can also put stress on your lower back and cause back pain. Extra weight, especially in your midsection area, can throw your center of gravity off and increase your chances of back problems. You should ideally try to keep your weight to no more than 10 pounds over your ideal weight, but any type of weight loss will help.

Switch Your Sleeping Position

While you may feel comfortable in a certain position, it might not actually be the best for your back. You should consult your doctor and ask which position would be the best for you. Most of the time, doctors will recommend that you sleep on your side with your knees slightly bent. They will also sometimes recommend adding a pillow between your knees to align your hips.

If you're suffering from back pain, the absolute worst position you can sleep in is on your stomach. But if there's no other position you can sleep in, place a pillow just under your hips to keep your spine aligned.

All these tips will not only help you in case you're already experiencing back pain but will prevent back pain episodes from happening in the future.