Correct posture and spinal support
- sit and stand straight. Try to keep your shoulders down, your back straight, and your abs slightly tense. When you feel your posture starting to deteriorate, avoid slouching and stand up straight.
- Use a medium-height pillow. Choose a pillow that supports your neck and head without arching it up or down. Pillows should be soft enough to provide comfort, but not so soft that your neck collapses.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time at work. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or driving, take regular breaks to warm up and stretch your back.
- Strengthen back muscles. Regular exercises to strengthen your back and correct posture can help prevent and eliminate low back pain. It is recommended to include exercises to strengthen your core muscles (strength training, yoga, Pilates) into your training program.
Exercises to strengthen back muscles
- pelvic lift
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place them on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Lift your pelvis to form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders, hold at the top for a few seconds, then slowly lower to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 10-15 times. - plate
Lying prone. Lift your upper body and stretch your hands and toes. Hold this position, tightening the muscles in your back, abdomen, and buttocks, for 30-60 seconds. Repeat the exercise 3-5 times. - raise arms and legs
Get on all fours on your hands and knees. Slowly raise one arm forward and to the side and the other leg back and up. Hold at the top for a few seconds, then slowly lower back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the other side. Perform 10-15 approaches on each side. - hyperextension
Get on all fours on your elbows and knees. Slowly lift one leg back and up, aiming to create a straight line from head to heel. Hold at the top for a few seconds, then slowly lower back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the other leg. Perform 10-15 approaches on each leg.
It is important to remember that for best results you must practice regularly and follow correct techniques. If you have any pain or limited movement, talk to your doctor or physical rehabilitation specialist.
Stretch and flexibility
- Cat cow.Get on all fours and bend your spine upward (like a cat) and then downward (like a cow). Repeat the exercise 10-15 times.
- bend forward. Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Bend the knee of one leg and press it toward your chest. Gradually lean forward and try to reach your outstretched leg with your hand. Hold the position for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat 3 times on each leg.
- body rotation. Sit on a chair or the floor with your feet together. Turn to the right and try to rotate your torso as far as possible and hold this position for 30 seconds. Then repeat on the other side. Repeat 3 times on each side.
- chest stretch. Stand next to a doorframe and place your hands on the frame at shoulder level. Enjoy the stretch in your chest muscles and hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
A set of exercises to relieve tension
It's important to remember that before starting any exercise, you should consult your doctor or physical rehabilitation specialist.
Back muscle stretch: - Stand with your legs straight and slowly lean forward, trying to touch the floor with your fingertips. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your hands on your chest. Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor while extending your arms forward. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly lower to the floor. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times.
Strengthen back muscles: - Lie on all fours, bend your left arm at the elbow, and raise it parallel to the floor. As you exhale, slowly lift your right leg back and parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly lower your arms and legs to the floor. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times on each side.
- Lie on all fours, extending your right arm and left leg parallel to the floor. As you exhale, slowly lift your right arm forward and your left leg back until they are parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly lower your arms and legs to the floor. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times on each side.
Side muscle stretch: - Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your left hand and tilt it to the right, trying to touch the floor with your fingertips. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the other side. Perform 5-10 times on each side.
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your left arm up and lower your right arm along your body. Bend to the left and try to touch the floor with your fingertips. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the other side. Perform 5-10 times on each side.
Relax and massage
It is important to remember that before starting any exercise or massage, you should consult your doctor or physical rehabilitation specialist to choose the most appropriate method and avoid possible complications.
Avoid heavy lifting
- Use correct lifting techniques. When lifting heavy objects, especially from the floor, bend your knees and do not lower your back. Keeping your back straight, hold the weight close to your body. Do not twist your torso when lifting.
- Optimize your work area. Whenever possible, lift weights at or below your waist to reduce pressure on your back. Use a stand or dolly to move objects, especially if they are very heavy or bulky.
- Distribute load. If you need to carry heavy items over long distances, break them into lighter parts and carry them one by one. This will distribute the load evenly and reduce the risk of back fatigue.
- Use specialized machinery or equipment. In some cases, lifting very heavy or bulky objects may require the use of special equipment, such as slings or mechanical devices.
Correct sitting and sleeping postures
Correct sitting posture
- Assume a straight and stable posture. Sit in a chair, press your back against the backrest, straighten your shoulders, and maintain an even posture. Do not lean forward or backward.
- Distribute your weight evenly across your legs. Do not sit on your butt or cross your legs as this may cause uneven stress on the spine.
- Bend your knees at a right angle and keep them parallel to the floor. The feet should be firmly pressed into the floor.
- Use pillows or lumbar support to support the natural curve of your spine.
Correct sleeping position
- Choose a mattress and pillow that suits your firmness level. The mattress should be firm enough to support your spine, but not so firm that it is uncomfortable to sleep on. Pillows should support the neck and head in a natural position.
- Lie on your side or back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this can damage your cervical spine and cause lower back pain.
- When sleeping on your back, place a small rolled pillow or rolled blanket under your knees to relieve excess tension in your lower back.
- When sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in proper alignment.