Back Pain Management: 3 Helpful Tips For Parents

Anybody can develop back pain, but parents are often especially prone to spinal pain. Chasing after your kids at the park, spending long days in the carpool line, and carrying your toddlers can all take a toll on your back. Herniated disc treatment and spinal pain treatment services can help reduce your discomfort, but there are also steps you can take at home. Make back pain management a priority with these three helpful tips for parents.

1) Stretch your back

You may have heard parents joke that their kids are a pain in the neck. This statement can be more true than parents realize, and taking care of kids can also cause pain in your lower and mid back. It's not your kids' fault, of course, but the demands of parenting can be rough on your spine. That's why it's important that you stretch regularly to help with back pain management.

When done correctly, stretching helps improve blood flow and relax tight muscles in the back. Doing simple exercises, like reaching your arms up overhead or arching your back while standing can help reduce tension and pain. You may also get relief from stretching your legs and hips, as tightness in these areas can contribute to back pain. Talk to a provider at a back pain management facility for more suggestions on the best stretches for your body.

2) Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra pounds — either your own or the weight of a child — can strain your spine and make it more difficult to manage back pain. If you're carrying around some extra pounds, consider making some basic lifestyle changes.

Here are some ways you can maintain a healthy weight:

  • Avoid overeating
  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Exercise regularly
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get enough sleep every night

Making healthier choices can help you manage your weight and your back pain at the same time. Talk to a doctor or specialist about back pain management for personalized information on weight loss and exercise.

3) Bend at the Knees

When you reach down to pick up a toy or lift your child, what does your body look like? Are you hunched over with your back curved and your head down? If so, you're likely putting extra strain on your spine.

To help manage back pain, make sure you bend at the knees when you pick up something. Keep your back straight, and use your legs to do most of the work. This can help reduce stress on your spine.

Back pain management can be tricky on your own. Luckily, help is available. Schedule an appointment with a spinal pain treatment provider if you need relief from back pain.

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