By Eden Nearly 1 in 10 Americans suffer from back pain. Back pain can cause severe disability and affect your social and professional life. Did you know that lifestyle changes can help reduce back pain?
Researchers in Sweden recently found that those who lead a healthy lifestyle are less likely to have chronic back problems. Here are some reasons why healthy living can be good for your back.
What’s a healthy lifestyle?
Healthy living is living a life that maximizes your physical, mental and emotional health. These are the five components of healthy living:
- A healthy, balanced diet Your body will have the nutrients and energy it needs to stay healthy.
- Regular exercise Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (half the amount if they are exercising at high intensity). Strength training should be done for all major muscle groups every week. This will ensure that your muscles, ligaments and bones are healthy.
- How to manage your weight A healthy lifestyle involves maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and diet.
- How to manage your stress levels Stress can have a profound impact on your body. It can increase your blood sugar, cause anxiety, slow down your metabolism, and lead to increased blood sugar levels. It is important to learn how to manage stress.
- Get enough sleep The body uses sleep to heal itself, regulate hormones, eliminate toxins, and so much more. It is essential to stay healthy and happy.
How can a healthy lifestyle improve your back?
A healthy lifestyle will not only give you more energy and improve your quality of life, but it can also help you avoid back problems. Here’s how it works:
A stronger core to support your back
Regular exercise will help to strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles. These muscles will support your spine by taking some strain off it. Your back will be less susceptible to injury or strain, and it will feel less pressure each day.
Better position
Your posture will improve if you are active and fit. You will find it easier to maintain your spine straight while sitting, running, and walking. This helps to avoid back pain.
A lighter back means a healthier body
Over 62% of the UK’s adults are obese or overweight. All of this extra weight can cause back pain and alter the alignment of your spine. Healthy living helps you to avoid obesity, maintain a weight range that’s appropriate for your gender, age, and height, and prevents you from becoming obese.
Less time spent sitting down
Long periods of sitting down is a major risk factor for back pain and lumbar problems. The bottom line is that the longer you sit down, the more likely you are to have back pain. A healthy lifestyle is more active. You’ll spend less time glued to the TV or computer and more time moving around.