Culprit No. 6: Your crazy schedule
Just like the rest of you, your back muscles can tense up when you’re frazzled. Muscles are designed to contract and relax, Sinett explains, but when you’re stressed, they may contract so much that they can eventually start to spasm. Stress also boosts production of the hormone cortisol, which increases inflammation and can lead to achiness, he says.
On top of that, "Chronic stress can affect the way a person perceives pain," says Alan Hilibrand, MD, spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and professor of orthopaedic and neurological surgery at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. "So those who
Della Bass
The easiest move for a healthy back: Standing Abdominal Stretch
Todd Sinett recommends doing this simple stretch several times a day. "We spend so much time hunched forward; this exercise helps bring you back," he says. Stand with feet about hip-distance apart, knees slightly bent. Lift your arms until they’re extended straight overhead. Bend back as far as you can without causing strain, stretching the abs. Hold for 5 seconds.
New pain-busters
Research is debunking some classic solutions for an achy back.
Old think: Surgery
New think: Therapy—or time
These days, surgery is rarely recommended for back pain. Most cases get better without major interventions, usually within six weeks or so, Dr. Hilibrand says. If the pain doesn’t subside, see your doctor—more treatment such as injections or physical therapy may be needed. Surgery should be a last resort.
Old think: Bed rest
New think: Exercise
We used to be told to lie down until the pain went away, but now we know that moving around can help you feel better faster—and staying in bed can make the pain worse. "Walking or any other aerobic activity is one of the best things you can do for your back," Prather says. Exercise improves circulation to the spine and also increases healing in the surrounding muscles. Talk to your doc about what type of exercise is safe.
Old think: Supplements
New think: Hands-on care
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there was little difference in improvement for chronic back-pain and osteoarthritis sufferers who took the supplement glucosamine versus those who took a placebo. Get long-term relief from a person, not a pill: A skilled physical therapist can help teach you exercises to strengthen and protect your back, Dr. Akuthota says.
