How to prevent Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is very common in the Philippines. According to surveys, almost 4 out of 5 of us may suffer from back pain at some point in our lives and every year, 1 out of 5 people visit a doctor pertaining to lower back pain. Typically, back pain is concentrated in the lumbar (lower back) region which takes most of the strain of our lifestyle. The pain can be associated with stiffness and muscle spasm.

The spine or spinal column is one of the strongest part of the body giving us a great deal of flexibility and strength. It is made up of 24 bones, one sitting on top of each other and disc in between and lots of strong ligaments and muscles around them for support. As we grow older, the structures of the spine, age as well. The structures remain strong but it is usual for your back to get stiffer as you get older.

Here are a few tips and tricks in order for us to reduce the risk of back pain:

Regular back exercises and stretches
Maintain a daily active lifestyle
Be aware of your posture
Try to maintain an ideal body weight
Avoid strenuous back activity
Bend your knees when lifting
Use hot or cold packs for relief

It is a good idea to visit your doctor when you feel the following:

When back pain does not improve within a few weeks
When the pain affects your daily activity
When pain is getting worse
When you have problems controlling your urine / bowel
When you experience weakness on the legs
When you had a fall or accident

Although it may be difficult, It helps you to stay optimistic and recognise that you back pain should get better, as people who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover faster. #backpain #pain #lowerbackpain #painmanagement #doctor #specialist #doctor #winnielimkhoo #neurologist #diet #exercise #healthy #goodhealth