Bad Habits That Could Be Causing Your Back Pain

Back pain is an irritating and frustrating condition which can quickly affect your quality of life and make the most simple of everyday activities like standing or walking more difficult. Your Bethesda, MD chiropractor can help you get back on your feet if you are experiencing back pain. On the other hand, you might be able to prevent your back pain from occurring in the first place. Learn more about how to prevent back pain with help from Dr. Gina Beech at Bethesda Back Center.

Treating Back Pain in Bethesda
Back pain treatment depends on you, your condition, and the cause of your back pain. Chiropractic treatment takes a drug-free, nonsurgical approach to treating back pain. Spinal manipulation, famous for “cracking” the back, is a hands-on aligning of the spine. The “cracking” noises which you may hear are completely normal and occur due to trapped gasses exiting the joints. Spinal manipulation aligns the spine and takes pressure off of the sensitive neurological and connective tissues around it. Bethesda Back Center also offers other treatment options, such as:

• ultrasound
• massage therapy
• traction therapy
• physical therapy
• electrical therapy
• nutritional counseling

What everyday habits cause back pain? 
While back pain may come from trauma or injury, it can also occur due to simple, everyday habits which you can potentially avoid, including:

• Long Commutes: Operating a car for long periods of time can do much more harm than good. If you have a long daily commute, be sure to sit at a 90-degree angle to your steering wheel and try to sit closer to the wheel so that you do not have to stretch your arms or legs.
• Desk Jobs: Similar to a long commute, a desk job requires hours of sitting a day. Be sure to take regular stretch breaks. Get up and walk around at least once an hour to lower the risk of damage to your back.
• Your Mattress: Old mattresses do a number on your back. Replace your mattress at least once every 7 years and buy a mattress with medium firmness that is neither too soft nor too hard.

If you have back pain or would like to learn more about preventing back pain, Dr. Beech can help. For more information on treating or preventing back pain, please contact Dr. Beech at Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD. Call (301) 897-8500 to schedule your appointment today!