• Prolonged engagement in sedentary behavior, including sitting at a desk for eight hours or more consecutive days of the week, or spending free time on the couch or otherwise relaxed. Aerobic activity and strength training exercises actually make it possible to reduce your risk of injury and to improve your ability to overcome back pain by strengthening the vertebrae and improving blood flow and nutrient disbursement throughout the back. When you are inactive, blood flow can actually become impeded, and this can have a negative effect on the overall health of your back and spine. How Physical Therapy Helps Anyone who has struggled with back pain can tell you plain and simple: When your back is hurting, there is no way to pretend that it isn’t. Simply going from sedentary activity to being active and healthy isn’t an option — at least not so easily. It takes time and effort, and when back pain is obstructing you from getting started, it requires help. Physical therapy can help you overcome back pain by giving you the knowledge and support necessary to help your back feel better, giving you the option to get off the couch and push yourself to reach new goals. Working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist ensures that you do not take on too much too quickly, but instead are guided through the process of healing with gradual steps.
For more support with overcoming back pain, and to learn exercises and techniques that can help increase your overall strength and range of motion, call us today at 337-264-9856 or visit bouletptandwellness.com.
AVOID ACHES & PAINS IN THE GARDEN THIS SPRING!
Common gardening activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints. This is especially true for senior citizens and people who are normally sedentary. Different body areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, and knees can be vulnerable to injury during gardening. Thesetipscanhelppreventinjuries: • Warmupbeforeyougarden.A10minute brisk walkandstretchesforthespineand limbsare good ways to warm up. • Change positions frequently to avoid stiffness or cramping. • Make use of a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move heavy planting materials or tools. Be sure to keep your back straight while
using a wheelbarrow. • If kneeling on both knees causes discomfort inyourback,trykneelingononeandkeepthe other foot on the ground. Use knee pads or a gardening pad when kneeling. • If kneeling or leaning down to the ground causes significant pain in yourback or knees, consider using elevated planters to do your gardening. • Avoidbendingyourwristupwardswhenpulling thingsorusinggardeningtools. Instead,keep your wrist straight and use your shoulder muscles to pull and lift. • Endyourgardeningsessionwithsomegentle backward bending of your low back, a short walkand lightstretching,similartostretches done before starting. Author:AndreaAvruskinPT,DPT
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