If your back is hurting especially when you are sitting, this blog post is for you!!
The type of chair, the amount of time you are sitting, and your posture/positioning while sitting, all can contribute to lower back pain. And since we have to be able to sit to eat dinner, work, watch our favorite TV show or movie, I wanted to share three simple strategies with you to help ease your back and make sitting a lot more comfortable. But, first I would like you to ask yourself the following 3 questions...
Question #1: Are you 'parking it' in the correct chair?
Using pillows, blankets or towels to help cushion your chair may help with making the chair more comfortable to sit. If you are performing any desk work, make sure the work surface is slightly below eye level and if you are sitting on a firm/hard sitting seat using a chair cushion may help with improving your comfort level. Also, proper lumbar support is necessary. You can use a towel roll, small pillow or air pillow to support your lower back in sitting.
Question #2: Might seem self-explanatory, but when we’re are watching a good movie or our favorite TV show a good question to ask is – how often do we get up and move?
Getting up frequently and move around the house or your office can improve circulation. Plus, sitting too long in the same position causes tightness and pain. If you’re unable to get up, you can do some stretches in your seat such as neck rolls or raising your hands high above your head for a good stretch.
Question #3: Are you lifting or carrying objects during the day or evening?
If so, do your best to watch how you are picking up items with close attention to not bending at your back rounding out the spine instead try to bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Make it easier on yourself and try to avoid doing a lot of lifting or bending while not paying attention to the way you're picking up items. Commonly, we see people for physical therapy who had a one-time incident from bending down wrong or picking up an object improperly that created havoc down the road.
Physical therapy is an effective alternative in addressing back issues and addressing areas that may be contributing to the problem as it relates to limiting your daily activities. If you or your loved one is suffering from back pain it is highly recommended to consult a medical professional to discuss the problem. Having a better understanding of what positions to avoid and having a better understanding of what works best for you and your condition is highly important.
If you live in the Greater Milwaukee area and would like to learn more about how physical therapy or a trained physical therapist can help you please reach out to us CLICK HERE.
Talk more soon!!
Preston, PT
P.S. If you’re experiencing stiffness in your back which restricts your ability to move without pain, click here to download my free back pain tips guide which includes actionable tips I give to my patients at Prestige Therapy and Wellness, LLC. Click here to get your free copy: https://prestigetherapywellness.lpages.co/back-pain-freebie/
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