Dos and Don’ts of Back Health and Support
When it comes to preventing back aches and pains, support is the number one method. Properly supporting your back can help to improve your posture, ease pain, and prevent injury. But what are the right and wrong ways to support your back? Check out our dos and don’ts when it comes to back support and health.
Do:
- Stand and stretch once an hour if you find yourself sitting for a prolonged amount of time
- Bend at the knees when lifting heavy objects
- Balance your weight equally between your feet while standing
- Elevate your car’s headrest so that it’s right behind the back of your head
- Invest in a high-quality, supportive mattress
- Sleep in the fetal position on your side to prevent back pain
- Exercise—people who regularly exercise heal more quickly from back injuries
Don’t:
- Just go with any backpack—make sure that your backpack has a padded back, padded shoulder straps, and a waist strap
- Use lumbar supports—studies show that they make no different in preventing or treating lower back pain
- Rely on shoe insoles—evidence shows that they don’t prevent back pain but might offer limited, temporary relief
- Wear high heels all the time—they can cause serious back pain
- Sit too far back from the steering wheel in your care—reaching for it can strain your upper back
- Regularly sleep on your stomach—this position puts a strain on your back muscles
- Push yourself to lift an object that’s too heavy for you—get help!
Those are just some dos and don’ts when it comes to back support and preventing backaches. What do you find helps you support your back day to day? Share your thoughts and advice below.
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