Back injuries can be extremely debilitating and can make it seem impossible to go about your daily life. While it’s true that back injuries often require rest, physical therapy, and in some cases even surgery, that doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon your day-to-day activities.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways for you to continue living normally after a back injury without putting yourself at risk of aggravating the injury or making it worse.
With careful planning and understanding of what activities are safe for your body, you can stay active and keep doing many of the things you love. Here are 6 tips on how to do just that!
1. Religiously follow post-operative care instructions and return checkups
Recovering fully from a severe back injury takes time, but there are many things you can do to help yourself heal and get back to living normally. One of the most important steps in postoperative care is religiously following instructions and attending follow-up visits with your doctor or physical therapist.
By sticking closely to your doctor’s recommendations, you ensure that any potential complications are caught quickly so that further treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Your trusted neurosurgeon or spine surgeon will also monitor your healing progress and may recommend specific exercises or lifestyle changes to optimize recovery. In addition, having regular follow-up visits allows for early detection of any new issues that may arise after surgery which can be addressed immediately.
When combined with regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices, following post-operative care instructions can help pave the way for a safe return to normal activities.
2. Choose low-impact activities
When you suffer a back injury, it can be hard to get your life back on track. However, one way to keep up with the activities and lifestyle that you enjoyed before the injury is to focus on low-impact activities.
Low-impact activities are those that minimize stress and strain on the body while still allowing you to stay active. By choosing these types of activities, you can continue living normally after a back injury without exacerbating your condition.
Low-impact activities include walking, swimming, yoga, or bicycling. These exercises require minimal stress on your joints and bones—unlike running or jumping—and are easier on your spine as well.
They will help increase strength in weakened areas without putting too much pressure on them at once. In addition, some activities—like swimming or yoga—can also help improve flexibility and balance, which can help reduce pain.
3. Invest in comfortable ergonomic furniture
If you’ve recently suffered a back injury, life can be challenging. Pain, physical limitations, and medications can make even the most basic activities difficult. One of the best ways to ease your recovery and maintain your quality of life is to invest in comfortable ergonomic furniture for your home or office.
Ergonomic furniture is designed with comfort, safety, and efficiency in mind. It helps reduce stress on muscles, joints, and nerves by encouraging good posture, and reducing strain on areas that are already under extra pressure due to your injury.
And it helps keep you from making movements or positions that could cause more harm or discomfort than necessary. For example, an adjustable desk chair can give you the proper support for sitting for long periods at your computer, while an ergonomically designed mattress can help you maintain the best posture for sleeping.
4. Maintain good posture
Posture is an important part of taking care of your back, as poor posture can worsen injuries and make them take longer to heal. Make sure you keep your head up and your shoulders back when sitting or standing, and try not to slouch or hunch over for long periods of time.
If you find yourself slipping into bad posture habits, invest in a lumbar support pillow or cushion that can help you realign your spine while sitting in a chair.
5. Get regular massages
Massages are great for relieving tension in sore back muscles, but be sure to let your massage therapist know that you have an existing back injury before getting started. A professional massage therapist will tailor their techniques to your specific needs, helping you relax without putting too much strain on your back.
6. Take breaks during long activities
When engaging in activities that require extended periods of sitting or standing – such as working at a desk all day or cooking dinner- it’s important to take frequent breaks throughout the day to stretch and move around.
This will help relieve stress and tension in the muscles in your back, so you can continue living normally without risking further injury.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to continuing a healthy lifestyle after your back injury. Remember to always listen to your body first- if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to take a break or stop completely.
And of course, make sure to consult with a doctor before engaging in any strenuous physical activities that could potentially aggravate your existing back injury. With the proper care and understanding of what’s safe for your body, you can continue living normally after a back injury!
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