GET YOUR FLEX BACK
Are you one of the 80% of people who experience back pain?
Recent data - commissioned by www.mindyourbackuk.com , showed that more than half of people (56%) say they experience pain in their lower back; 23% in their neck and shoulder blades; 19% in the mid-back; and 18% in the upper back.
Our bodies were made to move, and this includes our spines; a complex set of vertebrae that supports our body and allows us to be flexible and move freely. The Mind Your Back 5 S.T.E.P.S. programme outlines five simple S.T.E.P.S. for back care and getting your flex back.
STRETCH – Gentle stretching, even for a few minutes a day, increases mobility and helps loosen tight muscles. Check out 5 stretches at https://www.mindyourbackuk.com/stretch
THERAPY – Hot, cold (or preferably both, alternated) or anti-inflammatory topical therapies (rubs, sprays, patches), such as Deep Heat, Deep Freeze and Deep Relief which help kick-start the healing process.
EXERCISE – Walking, cycling, and swimming are all gentle, low impact, exercises that help to mobilise your muscles and joints.
POSTURE – Check your posture, especially while doing desk work or watching TV, to ease non-specific lower back pain and enhance healing.
STRENGTHEN – Core and back exercises strengthen back muscles and prevent localised stiffness and pain. See 5 examples at https://www.mindyourbackuk.com/strengthen
