Help For Back Pain Sufferers

September 15, 2004 -- At some point in the active life of humans, 80% of us will experience back pain to some extent. National statistics indicate that 15 to 20 percent of the U.S. population has low-back pain problems during a given year, and that figure rises to 50% with working-age people.

Studies indicate that once you have had back pain, your likelihood of having it again increase by four times. This is why you must try to prevent it before you begin to feel pain.

According to the Ultimate Back Manual found at www.backmanual.com One easy thing you can do to help prevent back pain is to stretch. Throughout the day get out of your seat to stretch your muscles and get your blood flowing.

Here are six example stretches you can do in the comfort of you own office.

While standing:
1. Bend both elbows. Press one above you and the other behind you for a good stretch.
2. Press your palms on your lower back for support. Gently arch your back, and hold for a moment.
3. To loosen stiff shoulders, circle them backward several times, then forward.
4. Press your elbows out and back at chest height as far as you can hold.

While sitting:
1. Sit back against a chair. Exhale and tighten your abdominal muscles for a count of 10.
2. Sit with your back and bottom pressed firmly against a hard, straight-backed chair. Lift your right arm from the shoulder, reaching your fingertips toward the ceiling. Follow the movement with your neck and eyes. Hold for a few seconds and really feel that stretch. Repeat with the left arm. Do each arm several times.

These stretches are excerpts from the Ultimate Back Manual. Find out more about the Ultimate Back Manual at www.backmanual.com.




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