A flagship campaign for the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), Spinal Health Week takes place during the month of May. The campaign sets out to raise awareness of the causes and negative effects of back pain. Given that approximately 4 million people reported having back problems in the National Health Survey (NHS), it’s clear that bad backs are far too common among Australians.  The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) says that this number is likely more as it doesn’t include back pain associated with other conditions such as Osteoporosis.

Causes of a Bad Back

There are many factors that cause back injuries. You might injure your back by playing sports or doing an activity at work. You could also suffer back problems due to arthritis, or other diseases affecting the spine.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the factors that increase your risk of back problems include your age and weight. Overweight people as well as older people are at greater risk of developing back problems. And lack of physical fitness can also increase your risk of back pain and spinal problems.

Look After Your Posture

Posture is really important when it comes to spinal health. Implementing good posture prevents back pain. If you’re unsure how to achieve this, your local chiropractor or physiotherapists can help and support you to adopt a positive posture. A massage by a qualified professional can bring great relief too.

A poor posture can lead to complications. These include back, joint, and muscle pain. It’s also a major cause of headaches and fatigue. And unfortunately, people can have rounded shoulders and a slouch as a result. How we sit and how often we sit significantly impacts our posture. Furthermore, how much we exercise and how we do things (such as carrying objects) also impacts posture and spinal health.

Poor Posture and Muscle Strength

A poor posture leads to muscle wastage due to not using the muscles to support the back. The Better Health Channel explains that as the muscles weaken and tighten, the spine can become compact and posture then gets worse.

Improving Your Posture

Finally, becoming aware of your posture is the first step to improving it. Regular exercise is also important to strengthen the muscles in your entire body, including your back and abdomen. Good posture and exercise prevent back pain and improve spinal health. A health professional such as a chiropractor can help and support you to implement and maintain a positive posture.

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