Whether it’s work, errands, or vacation that’s getting you on the road, driving is a part of life. According to the American Automobile Association, the average American spends 17,600 minutes a year—the equivalent of seven fulltime weeks of work—behind the wheel. [1] That’s a lot of time, but it can feel like so much more if you’re suffering from low back pain. These problems only get worse if you’re going on a road trip.
Neck pain is extremely common. Some studies estimate the 80% of people experience significant neck pain at some point in their lives with an annual incidence estimated at about 20% of the population at any given time and these numbers are higher in office and computer heavy occupations.
Understanding your spine and neck is important, especially in the event of an injury or from the wear and tear of aging. Your spine and neck are incredibly strong and flexible, playing a critical role in supporting your head, shoulders and upper body; allowing you to stand up straight, bend and twist; and protecting your spinal cord.
MIllions of Americans are afflicted with lower back pain every day. And many of them find themselves saying “Oh no, I’ve thrown out my back!” But what does this mean? Throwing out your back is a circumstance in which a painful, debilitating spasm in your back occurs suddenly, out of nowhere, causing your back to seize up. It can be caused by a forceful exertion such as moving furniture, or even something as simple as a sneeze. The pain can be described as a twinge of discomfort to an intense pain that prevents you from being able to move. The pain and discomfort will last usually until the muscle relaxes on its own and the swelling and inflammation go down.
Back pain can torment and interfere with your daily life, but there are practical back pain solutions which will help prevent or reduce most back problems. Keeping your back strong and in good shape is important for keeping pain at bay. Make a New Year’s Resolution to incorporate these 10 Tips into your routine to help strengthen your back and improve problematic back issues.
