A significant percentage of women experience back pain, especially if their work and life conditions demand a certain lifestyle, which often involves sitting for long hours. According to doctors, three combined factors contribute to the worsening of back pain: bending, lifting, and twisting. These factors come together to pose a real danger to those who suffer from back pain, as mentioned in Huffington Post.
Why do these factors pose a risk to the back? According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, those who experience back pain are more prone to disk injuries. Many patients with back pain already have damage to their disks, even if this damage does not allow for a diagnosis of an actual disk condition. In all cases, they are at risk of developing this condition over time due to damage that gradually worsens. These three factors exacerbate the situation when they combine. Any movement can increase pressure on the disk and surrounding areas, but the three movements may be the worst when combined.
There are movements we perform in our lives that require bending, lifting, and twisting, which increase pressure on the spine. Many do not realize how frequently these movements occur in our lives without our awareness. Examples include carrying luggage while traveling, which places a lot of pressure on the spine.
How should weights be lifted when experiencing back pain?
- Stand facing the object you intend to lift directly, rather than twisting to lift it. When lifting, make sure to keep the spine straight.
- Use the legs, not the back, to lift weights. Also, engage the abdominal muscles during this process.
- When lifting an object, do so with balance and stability. Keep your hands close to it, and position one leg behind the other to reduce pressure on the spine. Utilizing the abdominal muscles significantly helps protect the back, as these muscles work alongside the back muscles to support them and limit spinal movement. Hence, strengthening abdominal muscles is essential for anyone suffering from back pain. There are many movements and exercises that can be done for this purpose.
It should also be noted that sleeping in bed is rarely a solution for back pain. Instead, it is important to maintain physical activity and movement for recovery. Activities like yoga and physical therapy can be beneficial. If you are experiencing disk pain, it is crucial to consult a doctor immediately to receive appropriate treatment.
