Your back is also more vulnerable after you have been sitting for a long period of time. This can be long car or plane trips, or sitting at your desk at home or at work. As you sit, your tendons and ligaments lengthen into the position you are sitting in. The longer you are sitting, the more at-risk you are when you do get up.
It’s important to know when your back is at the most risk, so you can be prepared for those times and know what to do to stay protected and pain-free. When you first wake up, don’t do any twisting or bending right away. Also, avoid sitting down right after you wake up too. It’s good to do simple motions to warm up your back for the day. Taking a walk or doing simple movements will help “wring out” that excess fluid from your spine.
While seated, keep your posture in mind. Slumping forwards will reinforce the risks, so sit up straight. If at all possible, choose seats with good lumbar support. If you are taking a long car trip, stop every hour or so to stretch and walk. If you are on a plane, try to get up during the flight and walk around a bit if possible. Once you’ve landed, do some quick back-bends to stretch before bending or twisting to gather your belongings.
Knowing when you are at risk for injury, and knowing what you can do to prevent it, are great steps toward less back pain. Talk to your chiropractor if you have any other questions on what to do to help keep your back safe.
CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Glastonbury Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:
- "chiropractic helped my back"
- chiropractic blog
- ct spine in the news
- What is Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
- Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression