Back pain along with stress, is a primary cause of absenteeism at work, costing industry and the NHS millions every year.
Usually, when we experience back pain it begins as a small niggle in the back, which we may or may not be aware of.
Since we are living more of a sedentary lifestyle, sitting at desks with computers for 8 hours of the day and for the majority, the TV for the remainder, before we go to bed. It is no surprise that our backs begin to take the toll and we experience some sort of back pain.
The small niggle that we had, may develop to excruciating sciatica, extremely painful slipped discs, stiffness and a constant ache in the back that is debilitating. It may impact our mobility, our sleep, our moods and our performance at work.
All is not lost since you can help to reduce the likelihood of injury and learn how to relieve your back pain by taking some simple pro-active and positive steps.
First of all, let’s have a look at your lifestyle and determine how much exercise, for example, you do weekly. When you wake up, do you jump out of bed, into the car, sit at your desk for hours at a time, then jump back into the car and then lounge on your sofa until bedtime?
Or have you decided to take a more pro-active step and incorporate some exercises into your routine? This may, for instance include, walking during your lunch break to get some fresh air, helping to relieve your stiff and aching back.
You may even go one step beyond to help learn how to relieve your back pain and decide to invest some money to join a gym, take up a sport, dance, go walking, do some yoga, swim.
We would emphasise that is imperative that whatever you choose to do, ideally you should love it, and you will look forward to doing it.
This will help to maintain your motivation and you will forward to your activity vs. dread it or see it as a chore.
We would recommend that if you do decide to implement a new exercise regime to help relieve your back pain, you should always speak with your GP to clarify your health and ensure you are able.
Another effective technique for relieving back pain is to do some very gentle stretching while sitting down. When we sit down for long periods of time, our vertebrae become compacted, reducing our backs’ flexibility.
Please note that when you do your stretches, always make sure that you do not over stretch yourself in your eagerness, as this can potentially cause you injury.
The rule of thumb is to stretch to a gentle point of stretch, without it hurting you. If you experience pain, lightheadness, etc then stop immediately.
We find that by raising your arms up into the air, gives a great gentle stretch to the back.
You should note that you are sat comfortably, ideally in an upright chair and always remember to stretch gently.
This is very important and if done correctly, you will feel taller and become more flexible.
To get expert advice on stretching attend a local yoga class, tai chi or chi gong class. You will be taught by a great instructor and you will reap many more physical benefits whilst you stretch.
Alternatively, get on of our onsite massage therapists to attend your office. We will help to relieve stiff backs immediately and provide great advice for you and your staff.
