Over 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point during their lifetime. And that number is rising. Since 1998, the percentage of Americans who report experiencing back pain in the last three months has risen from 29.5% to 33.7%, and 30% of those say it impacted their ability to work. Americans spend $50 billion every year on treating back pain, and $100 million in indirect costs – such as lost wages and productivity.
The culprit behind back pain isn’t hard to identify. Most cases of back pain are non-organic, meaning they aren’t caused by serious medical conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, fracture, or cancer. Here’s a hint: Of those who experience lower back pain, 54% report spending the majority of their workday seated. The primary culprit of our growing back problem is our sedentary lifestyle.
Yoga
Yoga is trendy right now – but it’s not all about cute yoga gear and low-impact fitness. Yoga is also highly effective and stretching and strengthening your muscles. Whether you’re looking to cure back pain or to prevent it, yoga is a cost-effective and safe solution.
Restorative sleep
If you've ever spent a night on the floor, in a cheap hotel, or outside in the woods, you know that not all sleeping arrangements are created equal. When you sleep on a thin or nonexistent mattress, you wake up with a cramped neck and sore body. But it's not just your mattress that matters -- your sleeping position makes a difference, too. If you suffer from back pain, avoid sleeping on your back as this will only increase the stress on your back. A firm, supportive mattress and pillows are essential to prevent excessive curvature of your spine while you sleep.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy is proven to be an effective treatment for back pain. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to work out the kinks in your back that are causing you pain to instantly relieve your discomfort. Regularly visiting your chiropractor for maintenance spinal manipulation can provide long-term relief.
Hot Packs and Cold Packs
Applying hot or cold packs to the origin of your pain can relieve the tension that is causing your pain. When the muscles relax, they’re able to heal better than when they’re tensed.
Stand Up While Working
Sitting compresses your spine in an unnatural position that places a lot of stress and strain on your joints. The longer you stay in a seated position, the more pressure is placed on your back and the greater the toll on your spine. That’s why such a large percentage of people with back pain are those who work at a computer or desk all day long.
Experts have known for a while now that the healthiest way to work is to stand up frequently. Alan Hedge, Professor of Ergonomics at Cornell University, recommends you sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes, and move for 2 minutes. Repeat this every hour throughout the workday. For a friendly reminder, use an ergonomic office chair to help you get rid of the back pain.
Making a few small improvements to your lifestyle and daily routine in theoffice can have a large impact on your back health – both now and long into the future.