Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Preventing Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain

What is it? It is pain or stiffness in the small of the back. It may also be accompanied by pain in the buttocks or the legs. Many times simple exercises and good posture will help ease most back pain. Sometimes physical therapy, medication or even surgery may be needed.

It is always best to avoid back pain to begin with rather than having to find a way to ease it later.

Here are a few suggestions:

Standing

* If you have to stand in one place for long periods of time, rest one foot on a low stool. If you are at home and working in the kitchen, open the lower cabinet and rest a foot on the inside edge of the lower cabinet. Change feet every five to fifteen minutes.

* Also, it is important to maintain good standing posture. Hold your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward and your weight balanced evenly on both feet.

Sitting


* Make certain your chair has good lower back support. The back of the chair should be curved where the small of the back meets the back of the seat.

* Keep your knees higher than you hips by using a foot rest or stool.

* Don't twist at the waist while sitting. Twist your entire body.

Sleeping

* Sleep on your side with your knees slightly bent. You can put a pillow between your knees.

* Do not sleep on your stomach.

Lifting

* Before lifting anything heavy, get a firm footing. Bend at the knees to get down to the level of the object. Make sure the lower back stays straight. Tighten the stomach muscles, grab the object firmly, and lift with your legs.

* To lift an object from a table top, slide the object to the edge of the table so it can be held close to the body. Bend the knees, grip the object firmly, holding it close and then straighten the legs.

* Avoid lifting heavy object above waist level.

* Always hold packages close with the arms bent

Another method for avoiding back pain is using the ClimaCushion. ClimaCushion is for anybody who wishes to sit in comfort and feel fresher after a day in the car or at the office. When you more comfortable, you are more relaxed and less likely to injure your lower back, even if you have to sit for long periods of time while driving. The ClimaCushion is perfect for long distance drivers, cab drivers, chauffeurs, commuters or a busy mom with many errands. Get your ClimaCushion at ClimaCushion.com.

Karen Vertigan Pope, EzineArticles.com Basic PLUS Author

Karen Vertigan Pope writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Ms. Vertigan Pope is the Project Support Manager of Ciniva Systems. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for http://www.ClimaCushion.com.

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