Men are often reluctant to seek medical attention when they are ill or in pain. Back pain is a common health issue for men, and should not be taken lightly.1 It's Men's Health Month, a dedicated reminder encouraging men to prioritize their health and wellness.
Many men will suffer from back pain for years before they seek medical treatment or diagnosis. Back pain impairs mobility, and hinders daily activities. Chronic back and neck pain can occur from injuries sustained in the past.
These conditions often affect men’s spinal health:
- Disc problems
- Arthritis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Structural Issues
- Spondylolisthesis
- Strains and Sprains
Here are some back pain tips for men to keep a healthy spine:
- Stretching: When you have acute back pain, an exercise program designed to stretch and strengthen your back and core muscles can help you heal and prevent a recurrence. Stretching helps loosen tight muscles, and helps ease pain.
- Walking: Back pain can be relieved and prevented by walking, one of the easiest and most overlooked exercises. Walking increases blood flow and helps flush out toxins.
- Posture: Sitting with poor posture puts more strain on the discs in your lower back than standing. Evidence shows that good posture may improve your mood while keeping your spine healthy.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Your back suffers from extra weight. Your pelvis moves forward when you carry excess weight, especially around your midsection. Muscles and ligaments in the back become strained by every additional pound. Over time, the spine may develop an unnatural curve, leading to a loss of proper support for the back.
It is common for people to suffer from back pain occasionally. When is it time to seek medical attention? If you have been in pain for over two weeks. You have pain extending to other areas of your body. You should schedule an appointment immediately if you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Dr. Payam Moazzaz encourages men to prioritize spinal health. The combination of a healthy lifestyle and following these back pain tips sets you up for greater success and enjoying your active lifestyle.
Dr. Payam Moazzaz is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon in California specializing in robotic-assisted minimally invasive spine surgery.
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain