Watch your back at any age
BACKS need a lot of looking after after, as Backcare Awareness Week, starting today, is highlighting.
This year, the focus is on looking after your back from an early age.
But whatever stage in life you are at, there is always something you can do to protect it, from minding your posture to taking regular exercise.
Keeping to a healthy weight and using correct lifting and handling techniques, such as bending your knees and hips when lifting, will also help.
A quality mattress that is comfortable, but supportive and right for your weight,weight is impor-important, as is good furniture that provides support and stability and is not too low.
It s best to stop smoking as it can reduce the blood supply to discs between the vertebrae, and this could lead to disc degeneration.
And it is often worth learning relaxation techniques to help manage stress, which can be a major cause of back pain.
For those with chronic back pain, an adjustable bed or a recliner chair might reduce discomfort, making life a little easier, so that you have more energy to enjoy each day.