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SIMPLE STEPS TO CARE FOR YOUR BACK Most of us know the pain of a back injury. Fitness consultant Craig Wise has some tips for keeping your back safe.
Craig Wise is a fitness trainer, massage therapist, and lifestyle coach at Craig Wise Health and Fitness in Hamilton.
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Spring 2022
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hen it comes to looking after your back, I’m currently something of an expert. I say this as I’ve just sat down gingerly, wincing slightly and sucking in air between my teeth. I’m a fairly active person, and I generally do the right things when it comes to looking after my body – but all of us sometimes slip up. My slip came courtesy of picking up my 10-year-old daughter to give her a hug. All was well until I put her down and felt that little tweak. A day later, and that ‘tweak’ is giving me grief as I sit down, stand up, and change gear when I’m driving.
BACK-CARE BASICS There are a few rules for helping to keep your back safe and healthy in day-to-day life: Exercise your core to strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and learn how to engage your core muscles when you’re doing activities.
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Practice good ergonomics while you’re seated and think about limiting the time you spend seated – take regular breaks.
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Ensure that your spine is supported when you sleep. Soft floppy pillows don’t properly support your head and neck, neither does an old saggy mattress.
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Check your footwear. Poorly supporting footwear not only puts strain on your legs and the lower joints but also the spinal column, which is supporting the top half of your body.
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