The life of a parent is never easy, just ask anyone who has ever raised a child. It’s a job that continues every hour of the day, tires you out, and can mentally tax you to the point of a breakdown. Being a parent can also hurt physically too. Whether it’s from carrying a child for nine months, pushing a double-sized stroller, or putting your kid onto your shoulder, your body can take a serious toll as time rolls on: especially on your back. There are many vital nerves, muscles, and vertebrae that make up the majority of your back. This means that it’s a tender part of the body that, when damaged, can have negative effects. Let’s look at some ways to reduce back pain as a parent.
Movement Once A Day
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to get your body up and moving at least once a day. Why exactly is this? Well, getting your blood pumping and raising your body temperatures helps your muscles and body loosen up and stay healthy. This can be as simple as walking for fifteen minutes, half an hour of yoga, or doing a Peloton lesson in the morning. If that’s too much, even standing up every hour is a good thing to do. Keeping your body warm and nimble can help avoid back pain.
Proper Technique
You don’t need to be a professional weightlifter to follow this next piece of advice. Everyone in a weight room knows this advice: don’t lift with your back, lift with your legs. If your child wants you to carry them or you need to move a stroller into the car, you’re going to need to engage the muscles in your body. If you decide to pick up a heavy object without your legs, you’re leaving a massive amount of stress on your back, possibly leading to disastrous results. Always engage your legs when lifting, no matter if it’s a four-year-old or a box of diapers,
Medical Options
If your back pain is already severe, there are medical options that can help you. Physical therapists and professional massage therapists can help alleviate pain experienced in the back. Also, there are certain treatments such as stem cell therapy that companies like ThriveMD use to help treat problems in the back. Talk with your doctor about what options are best for you.
