Spring has arrived, and many Houston, Texas, residents are excited to begin their favorite seasonal activity. However, with many spring activities, the risk for back pain increases. As a leading name in pain management in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas, Houston Physicians’ Hospital understands that no one wants to be held back from their favorite spring activities due to back pain. We’ve listed some easy ways you can protect your back when doing some popular spring activities:
- Running
If your spring exercise routine involves hitting the pavement for a run, you’ll want to add a viscoelastic insert into your running shoes to protect your back. These inserts redistribute the pressure beneath your feet and can reduce back pain by absorbing some of the shock as your feet hit the ground. In fact, according to the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, adding these inserts into your shoes can help cushion the spine and reduce spinal damage (1) during activity.
- Golfing
Many residents in Webster, Texas, and the surrounding areas enjoy spending their season on the golf course. However, your favorite pastime can potentially contribute to back pain. To avoid back problems and spend more time golfing, the journal Clinics in Sports Medicine states that proper swinging mechanics are imperative (2). A hunched posture when swinging can place strain on the back, leading to an increase in back pain. When swinging, make sure to engage your core muscles to help ensure your back remains straight.
- Tennis
With the weather warming up, many people are excited to get to their favorite outdoor activities, such as tennis games. When it comes to orthopedic injuries associated with tennis, most people think of “tennis elbow.” However, tennis can also negatively impact the back. According to The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, sports that involve repetitive hyperextension movements are associated with higher rates of spondylolysis (3), or a stress fracture occurring in one of the vertebrae. To keep your back pain-free and avoid the need to see your local orthopedic hospital, avoid arching your back too much when serving. Instead, bend your knees and raise your heels to support and balance the weight from your upper body.
- Gardening
A popular springtime activity is spending the day planting beautiful flowers in a garden. However, hours of bending over to tend to your flowers can quickly lead to pain in the back. According to Occupational Medicine, repetitive bending movements actually increase the risk for back pain significantly (4). To avoid any problems that lead to the need for a pain management doctor, consider using raised flower beds. This will allow you to enjoy gardening without the pain associated with frequently bending over.
Back pain can make your favorite spring activities seem like a hassle. Protecting your back when doing these activities can help you reduce pain and do the things you love. For an effective pain management plan to help you enjoy your favorite activities, give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.