3 Steps to Relieve or Prevent Back Pain

Hi,I'm Dr. Clark. Here's a simple plan that can significantly decrease your back pain. First, stretch your hip lexers and hamstrings. Your hip lexers are the muscles in the front of your hips, and hamstrings are those on the back of your thighs. Tightness in these areas can throw your hips and spine out of alignment and that can lead to serious back pain, so keep them limber by holding stretches for 30 seconds each. Next, strengthen your abdominal, low back and hip muscles. Increasing this muscles' strength and endurance lowers your chance of developing back pain. Finally, watch your posture. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances that put stress on your spine and cause back pain.

Here's what I mean by good posture. Hold your shoulders back, keep your head level, and your ears aligned with your shoulders, maintain a neutral curve in the small of your back, not too much and not too little. Keep your knees in line with your toes and your feet pointing straight ahead. For more ways to stay strong and pain free, watch all our smart tips, right here.