PEOPLE have certain traits that can really contribute to back pain. Usually it’s women who are very stressed, which makes their bodies susceptible to inflammation, a major cause of back pain. They’re dehydrated, sit at a desk, and don’t exercise enough. If you are unfortunately one of these people, here are some tips that may help.

    CUT OUT CAFFEINE AND STRAIGHTEN UP

    Cut out caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can dry out the cushions between the vertebrae, leading those vulnerable bones to develop cracks. Instead, drink water. And when sitting, straighten up and open your legs slightly, which will stabilize your back. When you walk, keep your core engaged. Think about how you hold in your stomach as you’re trying to get into a tight pair of jeans.

    PROTECT

    YOUR DISCS

    In the most serious cases, people can barely walk because of their sciatica, which occurs from the compression of a disc in the lower back. This can arise out of nowhere as a result of everyday things like bending too far forward to tie your shoes. To protect it on a daily basis, avoid heavy lifting and don’t sit for more than one hour at a stretch. Sitting puts more pressure on the discs than being upright and walking. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin may also help.

    DON’T JUST PLOP

    INTO YOUR SEAT

    While sitting, it’s better to leave your feet flat on the ground. When they’re up, it causes your shoulder and neck muscles to contract more than necessary. Do not hunch forward to write, read, or eat, and here’s why: Your head weighs about 5 kilos, and every inch you hunch forward, away from your center of gravity, it doubles its weight

    SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE

    If you sleep facedown, you’re putting more stress on your lower back. Sleep on your side and do the pillow-between-your-knees trick. It works to relieve pressure and pain so you can get some rest.

    IF YOU LOVE HEELS, TONE YOUR ABS

    Heels force you to arch your back in order to maintain your balance. If you love dashing around in three-inch heels, you have to do exercises to build a strong core. This can really help minimize pressure damage to your back from heels. The plank — holding at the top of a pushup — is a great move for ab toning, and when your abs are toned, they and your back muscles work as a framework for the spine.

    KEEP YOUR BAG LESS THAN 2 KILOS

    Many women are weighed down by carrying basically their whole lives in their purses. They must lighten their load! When shopping, choose a bag that feels featherlight in your hand before you put anything in it. An adjustable strap is good, because you don’t want your bag hanging too long, which puts pressure on your back muscles. Alternate carrying it on your left and right shoulder.

    WORRY LESS

    Some people get very anxious when they feel back pain coming on, but that can make it worse. If pain does start, buy a lumbar corset. They take weight off your spine, and after three to five days of wearing it you should feel good as new.

    (SD-Agencies)