Simple Back Pain Solution April 22, 2009
Simple Solutions to Growing Back Pain Problems
Back pain was once a problem usually for the manual labourers and older people. However, the British Chiropractic Association has published findings saying that 52% of the British population have suffered from back pain during 2008, which is a 5% rise on 2007.
A shocking conclusion drawn from this research is the fact that back pain has now started to affect children. This is mainly due to less active lifestyles, where many of us sit in front of the television or playing computer games, yet even wearing the wrong shoes can contribute to this problem in children – as stated by a chiropractor based in Colchester.
A chiropractor based in London Road, Dr Robert Bateman, suggests that the most common back complaint is lower back pain, closely followed by neck pain and shoulder pain. Back problems can build up over time, even from childhood, and will get worse to the point where it can happen suddenly during a simple task.
Back pain is costing the UK millions each year due to sickness absences in business. This is why the government is attempting to raise awareness of the things we can do to combat back pain.
Dr Bateman states that one of his patients, a dairy farmer, had been fine handling cows for over 25 years. Yet one day he simply leaned across a desk and his back went.
Bateman attributes the problems to people not doing enough exercise and not knowing how to sit properly. Certain muscles are involved in our posture, and when we don’t use these muscles our posture quickly fails.
It is important to start improving posture even during childhood. This also includes carrying bags properly and learning how to correctly sit at the desk.
Dr Bateman has introduced a number of short exercises for children, to help improve spinal health. Children are particularly vulnerable to back problems due to the fact that their bones are not yet fully developed and are still soft.
The aim is to teach them how to carry their books and school supplies properly to avoid problems in the future. This is best done before the transition from primary to secondary education.
The program not only includes exercise, but footwear recommendations and advice for parents about school bags. It is important to use rucksacks and to carry them properly, as well as avoiding long hours spent in front of the television.
By teaching children when they are young, doctors hope to avoid bad habits and create a more healthy generation when it comes to our backs.
