{"id":117139,"date":"2015-05-18T11:05:46","date_gmt":"2015-05-18T11:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/4cd.e16.myftpupload.com\/?p=117139"},"modified":"2015-05-18T11:06:22","modified_gmt":"2015-05-18T11:06:22","slug":"health-alert-will-your-spine-last-you-a-lifetime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citifmonline.com\/2015\/05\/health-alert-will-your-spine-last-you-a-lifetime\/","title":{"rendered":"Health alert: Will your spine last you a lifetime?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Chronic back pain used to be the reserve of the elderly and was frequently used as the Rubicon for transition into frailty.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, everyone, even the most energetic of young adults, complains of chronic back pain.<\/p>\n
Although acute trauma, systemic illnesses and congenital abnormalities of the spinal column all cause back pain, a significant percentage of back pain is work related. It is therefore not surprising that the people who experience it most are office workers who sit for long hours, long distance drivers, people who crouch when working, like surgeons, barbers and dressmakers, and people whose work involves heavy lifting and carrying of objects.<\/p>\n
Back pain is usually of muscular origin, but chronic muscular pain is an indication of gradual destruction of the elements of the spine, and that is where the real problem is. Analgesics will resolve the pain, but will not reverse the destruction. This is why you have to prevent the pain from occurring in the first place.<\/p>\n
To ensure that your spine lasts you your lifetime, and to prevent doctors from pronouncing spine-chilling diagnoses like lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis on you, kindly do the following;<\/p>\n
Sit right- humans are created to be upright beings and sitting puts 3 times more pressure on the spine than standing. It is thus important to sit on a comfortable chair and in the proper way.<\/p>\n
When you sit do not slouch or recline deeply; make sure your back is straight. Also make sure your arm rests are at the same level as your table to ease the pressure on the back. Make sure your seat is not too hard, so that you are not forced to shift your weigh about in awkward positions.<\/p>\n
An ergonomically healthy chair is one that has an adjustable height and backrest, shaped in the same curvature as the normal spine with lumbar (lower back) support, has arm rests and moves around easily; if you have to sit for long hours during work, this is the kind of chair you should use.<\/p>\n
It is also advised that you get out of your seat and walk at least once every one hour if you sit for long hours during the day. If these strategies fail to prevent chronic back pain, a stand-up desk\/counter may be a better option.<\/p>\n
Lift right- heavy lifting is the major cause of lower back muscle strain. If possible, avoid lifting heavy objects altogether.<\/p>\n