Got Back Pain? Don't Just Sit There ... Move!

Back pain is an epidemic that continues to plague industrialized countries.

Oddly enough, people pay more attention to "fixing" their back problem than identifying the cause of back pain.

But, here's the secret: Eliminate the cause of back pain and you'll eliminate pain.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, for years we've known that sitting too long can contribute to back pain - but what are we doing about it?

The article below serves as a gentle reminder ...

HowStuffWorks "How to Sit in a Chair":
"Back pain affects eight out of 10 people, whether it's acute or chronic [source: National Institutes of Health]. The back is such a common trouble spot because we put a ton of stress on it whether we're lounging on our couch in front of the television or playing tackle football. Whatever activity we're engaged in, our spine is the central support for our upper bodies and holds us upright. Its network of interlocking vertebrae also encases our spinal cord, which serves as the main drag on the central nervous system's superhighway...."

.....

"­But don't let yourself get too comfortable for too long. Holding your body in a static position for a sustained period will always stress the muscles involved at some point. Doing that day after day invites permanent physical problems. The key to reducing back pain from sitting for a long time is motion. Every 20 minutes or so, stand up, stretch and walk around if possible.­

When you aren't confined to a chair, stand up and stay active. By exercising, you strengthen those muscles surrounding your spine. Maintaining a healthy weight will also lighten the load that your lower back must bear. With a healthier body overall, you'll feel better and sit a little taller."

To your great health!
Charlie