Back Pain Follies

Does your back hurt on a regular basis? If so, the reason might be more than your sciatica. You could be participating in a back-pain folly that adds to your misery. Here are a few you'll want to avoid.

1. The heavy-purse-curse. By carrying a purse heavier than 10-pounds, you're adding stress onto your back. Opt for a lighter version filled with only the necessities of life - wallet, lipstick, cell, pen, tissue and keys. It'll ease your pain and even help your posture.

2. Sit-up your seat. Poor posture adds to back pain. As a result, it's important to walk tall and sit-up straight. You can do the latter by making a conscious effort to keep all of your adjustable chairs in an erect position. You can start by pushing up the seat in your car and chair in front of your desk.

3. Keep items at arms-length. Keep items commonly-used in your home at arms-length. What do I mean? Make sure they are on the lower shelves of high cabinets or on counter-tops. By doing so, you'll avoid straining to reach high or low for items. This practice will save your back.

4. Throw away your pillow. Do you have an old bed-pillow that you just can't part with? Although it may hold sentimental memories, it's probably not doing such a great job of holding up your head. If your pillow is less than 6'inches thick, it's adding stress to your neck that will permeate down to your back. Therefore, it's time to throw it away and buy a new one.

5. Let go of stress. Most of us collect stress in different parts of our body. A popular place is our back. As a result, it's important to take time out each day to relax. You can do it by adding a ten-minute meditation time to your daily schedule in which you sit in a quiet place and think positive thoughts. It will surprise you how much better you feel afterwards.

6. Control heavy exercise. Are you busting your butt to lose a few extra pounds? Although your waist could be getting slimmer, your back might be getting worse. Be sure that you do any type of heavy exercise using proper form in order to avoid unnecessary back strains. It's also vital that you stretch before you do it for at least 5 to 10 minutes.