3 Ways to Avoid Back Injury

The human back is composed of three groups of components, each group containing various structures that can be easily injured under the right conditions. These groups are: The bones and joints of the spine; the discs that separate the vertebrate and absorb shocks; and the muscles and ligaments that hold the back together. Each of these structures can be injured in many ways. Back injuries can range from minor and irritating to severe and crippling. Sustaining a minor injury and trying to ‘work around it’ usually escalates the severity of the problem.

So how can you protect yourself from minor back injury that may worsen or severe injuries that may cripple? The following list is only a few of the precautions that you can take but they will protect to some extent.

1. Watch Your Weight: Excessive weight puts strain on everything from the boney structures down through the discs and muscles.  Like the problems excessive body weight causes to the cardiovascular system, the structures of your back were designed to support a certain range of body mass. Exceed that range and you test your body past the limits it was designed for.

2. Practice Good Body Mechanics And Posture: Sitting with good back support, especially if you sit for long periods, takes strain off. Good lifting, using the legs, not the back.  Adjusting your car seat to optimal distance. Sleeping in positions that support the back. All of these precautions serve to keep the back healthy.

3. Exercise: Flexion, extension and stretching exercises keep your back from getting tight, which can lead to injuries. Strengthening exercises serve to both build the strength of the muscles and joints but added muscle bulk serves as a shock absorber.

Remember that even a minor back injury, if not properly cared for, can escalate into something far more severe. Taking unnecessary chances and injuring your back severely can lead to a lifetime of debilitating pain. Take care of your back and your back will support you throughout your life.

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