One of the most common ache or pain, suffered by almost one in three adults, is a pain in the back. Highlighting the danger areas for backs, treatments for back pain and some useful tips to help you maintain a pain-free back…
* Correct posture is most important, so keep yours in check. Pull in your stomach and bottom, keeping back straight, then relax shoulders down and stretch your neck up as if you were balancing books on your head.
* Watch your weight - extra pounds add stress to the spine.
* Choose chairs with straight backs, which are, firm and provide support to your lumbar region. If the chair does not offer this support, place a small cushion in this area when sitting for a long time.
* Avoid sitting in one position for long periods. If convenient, get up and walk around occasionally.
* Kneel or bend at the knees when picking things up, keeping you back straight and using both hands to lift to avoid twisting.
* Vary tasks so that you are not in the same position for too long.
* Select a firm, but not hard, mattress which gives support but also eases a little at the hip and shoulder; turn your mattress regularly and renew a worn out sagging mattress at least every ten years.
* Sit or kneel on a cushioned pad when you do work which involves bending down, like gardening.
* Divide shopping bags between both hands to get an even distribution of weight, or use a trolley when possible.
