Showing posts with label back. Show all posts
Showing posts with label back. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Is Back “Popping” Helping or Hurting?

Back poppers know just how satisfying it can be to “crack” their bones after a long day. Maybe it’s first-thing in the morning, or maybe you let the neck pop on the fly – whenever it feels comfortable. It’s just a way to relieve stress. Those who don’t follow this practice, however, just don’t get the appeal. It might even make them cringe to hear others try and put their own bones back into alignment.

But who’s right? Is this practice helpful? Or is it potentially dangerous?

According to the experts, it might be the latter. Unless you know what you’re doing, spinal manipulation (where bones are adjusted, whether it’s by force or from the weight of your own head) can cause injury or nerve damage. Because the spine is so closely connected with the brain, it can bring issues later on in life. Therefore, adjusting should only be done by a medical professional. You can also choose a doctor that uses a tapping or thumping method, too, to avoid craning or increased pressure. 

It’s also noted that less damage is likely when popping joints or other bones in the body. Though there are common myths that say doing so can lead to pain or arthritis (the actual results of which are still controversial), there is not a direct link to the brain or neurological system. 

However, for many, popping is more than a habit, it’s a way to relieve pain. It also might naturally occur. Some joints move more freely than others, and a simple turn of the head might cause the neck or back to crack all on its own.


No matter your stance on cracking, it’s a good idea to become well informed on how it could potentially affect your health. Perform some research of your own, or reach out to your doctor about the pros and cons to popping joints. 

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Could you be at Risk for Sciatica? And Other Things Your Backside is Telling You

More often than not, our body is smarter than we realize. Rather than acting up for no reason, its pains and aches, even muscle movements, are trying to tell us something. Early warning signs that something is not as it should be. At yet we ignore them time and time again. 

Rather than assuming you slept wrong, or have a wonky pain that’s a one-time thing, consider listening to your body the next time it lets you know something isn’t quite right. 

One of the most telling areas is actually located in the rear – yes really! As it hosts weight (while sitting) or helps even it out and stay upright (while standing), its pains are associated with muscles or other nearby areas of the body. Regular or intense pains can be a cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor. They can indicate sciatica, a pinched nerve, bad bed or chair support, poor circulation, improper alignment, and more.

Which is why it’s so important to listen to your rear. Pain simply means it’s trying to communicate, and it’s your job to help figure out what that is. That also means symptoms can be caught early on, eliminating the chance at developing more problematic. 

If you’re unsure as to whether your main might be a fluke, it’s a good idea to start keeping track. Keep a notebook or electronic list of dates and times that pains occur. List intensities, as well as how long they last. If a pattern begins to develop, or you have pains more often than you realized, it’s likely time to schedule an appointment. 


Professional insight can also allow you to get a better handle on back or rear communication. Consider scheduling an appointment once you have a better handle on symptoms and schedule.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Improve your Posture With This Expensive Shirt

We all know that good posture promotes good health. Whether you’ve read a Contour blog on the subject, did personal research, or just know your body tends to function correctly when you sit up straight. Proper spinal posture, whether we are aware of how we’re sitting/standing or not, helps the body on a daily basis. But even with this information in tow, it can be difficult to keep the spine in its preferred and upright position at all times. Just short of a nagging mother or a teacher slapping a ruler in our direction at all hours, constant good posture is almost impossible.

While we can catch ourselves when necessary, a new invention brings a new, more constant solution. One that keeps our backs in place even when we aren’t paying attention. The invention, a specially made garment called the Up shirt, comes with specially-placed elastic bands that makes it easier for wearers to adjust shoulders toward good posture. Devices that perform similar functions can be purchased and strapped to the back and arms. The Up shirt’s manufacturers argue, however, that such devices are uncomfortable and can’t be discretely worn in public. In contrast, the shirt’s posture abilities go unnoticed as they’re built right into the material. It can even be worn under outer layers for those who still want to sport their own sense of style.

So what’s the catch? The shirt costs $175-$200 – a lot of dough for one shirt. And assuming you don’t want to wear the same garment every day, the price tag goes up considerably. Part of the costs come from high-quality ingredients, such as organic cotton and specialized elastic bands, which are made to withstand washes and multiple wears.

Though it seems like a hefty price for a shirt, it’s also fairly cheap on the span of spinal health treatments.

Find more about the Up shirt here.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Famous Back Pain Sufferers

Coming in all shapes and intensities, back pain is an ailment that affects thousands each day. There are those with previous injuries, regular aches, and ongoing treatment regimens to level out the discomfort. Which is why it should come as no surprise that those throughout history have commonly suffered from back aches. Famous or not, back injuries affect those of all backgrounds and professions. 


George Clooney


He may play it calm and collected on screen, but the star suffered an extreme injury when shooting 2005’s Syrinia. During a stunt scene, Clooney fell and tore his dura, which is a protective layer that holds spinal fluid. Though he’s undergone multiple surgeries, the actor still experiences ongoing pains.

Kathleen Turner


A long-term sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, actress Kathleen Turner says there was one point in her life where it hurt to do anything, including walk. She has since been in remission, after finding a new form of medicine, and continues to provide outreach about the disease.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir


Best known for his painting style back in the 1800s, artist Renoir also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of the time, he received little treatment for his condition. He suffered through much of his life, though he continued to paint on a daily basis.


JFK


It’s common knowledge that the late president suffered from intense back pain throughout his presidency. JFK was also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, which is known to cause backaches via the digestive system.

Jennifer Grey


After a 20-year old accident left the Dirty Dancing star using ice and pain medication to manage her pain, she took a turn for the worse. In 2010’s season of Dancing with the Stars, she ruptured a lower back disc. The injury required surgery to correct, which worked to greatly reduce her pain. [Heritage, Prevention]

No matter the activity or task, back injuries can take place any place or time. Look to these cases as a source of hope and advancement on how far medical technology has come.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Hunchbacks in Pop Culture – Our Favorite Back Health Sufferers

Traditionally in society, the presence of a hunched-over back is a sign of bad health, or even alienation from the rest of the population. Cartoons used the condition as a way to show true character, live-action films offered it to create fear, and ever since, viewers have looked down upon those with irregular backs. However, bad rap aside, hunchbacks have grown into one of pop culture’s most-loved characters. Whether they had to overcome a stereotype or learn to accept themselves – abnormal features and all – here are some of our favorite spinally challenged roles.

The Beast

A title character from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” this character comes with a curved back, among other ailments (such as claws, more fur than he knows what to do with, etc.). Though the “hunch” likely comes from his transformation into an animal-like being, it’s a feature that comes to define his character, and which is ultimately overcome.

Lumpy Addams

Unfortunate name aside, Lump Addams, a cousin to the Addams family, is a key player in the series. He is the brother of fan favorite Cousin Itt, and child of Anemia and That. Though he rarely speaks, Lumpy makes appearances in both the 1991 and 1993 movie versions of the franchise.

Quasimodo

Perhaps pop culture’s most famous hunchback, Quasimodo of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” starts the film as a kind, unloved character. Though he’s regularly told his condition is a point of shame, he and others grow to accept his differences, realizing that his loving nature more than makes up for any physical changes.

Manthara

A main player in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Manthara works as a loyal servant. In this story, however, her condition is likely a direct reflection of personality, as she uses cunning conversation and eavesdropping to alter events. The behavior eventually catches up with her, when she is nearly killed by those who she wronged – though many readers still admire her ability to overturn the main storyline’s events.

Through stories and portrayals, hunchbacks have long since been a staple in pop culture. And though the condition continues to affect the human population, hopefully it’s only a matter of time before the illness is considered a virtue of character – rather than a medium on which to condemn.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

10 Strange Facts About Back Health

From lifting with the back to finding new ways to prevent lumbar-induced pain, there are thousands of articles available on back health. In all these educational or preventative posts, however, few look to the strange-ness that can occur. Stats on freak accidents, average dollars spent on treatments, and more all contribute to the nation’s back health movement each and every day.

Here’s a compilation of some of the weirdest ones to date.

10. According to healthcare analysts, an upwards of 80% of the population will experience back issues throughout their lifetime.

9. United States citizens spend more than $50 million in back-related expenses each year – and that’s only the stats that are easy to identify.

8. Think you’re shorter in the afternoon than the evening? The body “settles,” leaving humans 1 cm shorter by the end of the day.

7. Lower back pain is the highest listed cause of disability throughout the world.

6. Think the backbones or spines are complicated? One quarter of your bones are located in the feet.

5. It takes 200 muscles to take one step – no wonder ongoing pain hurts with every movement!

4. Back pain is one of the biggest reasons for missing work – and the second-highest cause for doctor visits. (Behind only colds and/or respiratory issues.)

3. It takes twice as long to lose new muscle mass than it does to gain it – all the more reason to stretch and keep bodies flexible on a regular basis. (Muscle builds fast, don’t let those efforts go to waste!)

2. Stretch the back for added strength – the strongest muscle in the body is the tongue, beating out arms, legs, and the rear.

1. The majority of back pains were not triggered by a condition, such as arthritis, cancer, broken bones, etc. Rather, organic issues are blamed for these ongoing bouts of pains.


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

4 Ways Stress Increases Muscle Pains

Having a stressful day is never fun – on any level – but according to some new research, it could also come with pain. Adding to any chances in mood, personality, or looming deadlines, stress can be literally painful. This is perhaps most seen in the muscles, especially in areas with ongoing injuries or recurring aches. However, each person can also experience these pains in a different format.

From tension to endorphins, here are the top five ways in which stress can trigger muscle pains.

4. Stress affects posture

Dealing with stressful situations can cause you to hunch over or perform jerky movements. This means the spine isn’t able to relax, interrupting circulation and everyday tension relief.

3. Emotions block vital energy

When in proper working order, the blood and other fluids flow freely throughout the body, increasing circulation and pain-relief efficiency. However, when stressed, emotions as a block, stopping important fluids from making their way.

2. Adrenaline is on short supply

It’s natural for adrenaline glands to produce endorphins that increase moods and decrease pains. But when stress happens, these glands are blocked, greatly reducing the amount of good-feeling substances available. This means ongoing stress has a direct affect on back or other recurring pains.

1. The body (and mind) can’t relax

Stress means you aren’t able to completely relax – this causes both the body and mind to be on edge. Without this much-needed relaxing time, muscles are tense, and don’t get the ability to rest and rejuvenate.

When it comes to stress, there are several triggers that can cause additional body pain. While some can manifest within the specific body parts (such as the back), other aches simply take place wherever the body is most vulnerable. To help avoid these stress-induced pains, look for less stressful situations – and the ability to fully relax – as an everyday rule.


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Is Your Purse Causing Back Pain?


Carrying a purse – of any size – can be a convenient perk. It holds all your things in one, easy-to-find-location, it ensures belongings are organized in close proximity, and you can even use it to stash away smaller purchased items. But no matter the size or weight of your bag, it could actually be causing excess pains. Because of the weight and repetitive nature of carrying a shoulder bag, it’s a practice that might actually cause more harm than good.



Here’s why:

When wearing a purse, the body is lopsided, causing muscles to tighten or strain in certain areas. And the heavier the bag, the more weight it’s pulling on the neck or shoulders. Basically, the more a bag is used, the worse the side effects will become.

This carrying practice also causes the body to walk in an uncomfortable position. Naturally, legs and arms swing to help regulate pace and stride – known as a gait. However, weighing down one-side causes an uneven swing in either the upper or lower sections of the body, if not both. Over time, this can lead to uneven muscles and posture. For instance, one who’s right-handed will keep their purse on the right shoulder, which can mean more developed muscles on that side, less of a swing when walking, and a shoulder that sits higher than the other.

Next comes tightness in the muscles carrying extra weight, or even spasms. The neck, upper, and middle sections of the back can all be affected, suffering bouts of pain or even recurring conditions, such as arthritis. Severe cases of purse-induced pain can even come with tension headaches, which are also brought on by muscle strains, as well as frequent lifting required with purse toting. [Huffington Post]

If you suffer from back pain, it may be time to consider your purse-carrying habits. Lighten the load or talk to your doctor today for healthier walking habits.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

5 Reasons to Give a Back Massage for the Holidays

When shopping for the person who has everything, nothing says “what a thoughtful gift” like a massage. Whether in the form of a gift certificate, a power-operated chair, or a hand-held back scrawler, it’s a great way to offer comfort whenever it’s needed most. When considering the gift of massage this holiday season, consider these five compelling reasons as to why it should top your list.

5. It’s Self-Redeemable

Though it’s given around the holidays, massages can be scheduled for any time of year – right when your giftee needs it most. These post-dated presents offer a chance to redeem some holiday cheer even long after the decorations have been put away. (However, double check on gift card dates to see just how long their lifespan lasts.)

4. It Relaxes and Loosens the Back Muscles

A massage of any kind can work to ease any receiver into a more relaxed state, reducing tension, muscle tightness, and overall worries. This is often a must-need for those with stressful jobs or schedules.

3. It Can Lower Stress and Back Pains

For those with repeat back pain, a massage is a great way to relieve muscles. You can even ask for recommended types of pressure treatments, based on the location and severity of each person’s pain.

2. It’s a Gift Few Will Buy for Themselves

Though some often indulge in self-funded massages, most write it off as an unnecessary expense. What a great way to show a loved one they not only deserve a relaxing break, but that you’re willing to provide it for them.

1. It’s a Personal, Yet Universal Gift

Massages come in all lengths and types and can work into any way of life. Opt for different areas of techniques or backgrounds (acupuncture, deep tissue, aromatherapy, etc.) to best fit every massage-deserving person on your shopping list.

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Hazards of Wearing High Heels

High-heeled shoes of all shapes and heights can cause ongoing damage to the body. Depending on frequency and length of wear, these side effects can vary from minor pain to irreversible damage. Before strapping on those stylish shoes this holiday season, consider the specifics as to what’s taking place with each step.

Calf Muscles Can Shorten

Over time, the calf muscles can shrink and shorten due to improper usage. When wearing high heels, the rear of the foot is elevated, using less of this important muscle with each step.

Shortened Achilles Tendon

Also in danger of minimizing in length is the Achilles tendon. When walking on an angle vs. flat-footed, the tendon becomes compromised and is used in an unsafe position.

Knee Pain

When wearing high heels, thigh muscles are made to work harder, which means more impact on the knee (knee cap pressure alone increases by 26%). Over time this leads to aches or injuries.


Bad Posture

Because of the way one’s weight is displaced in high heels, the rest of the body’s posture suffers. The stomach is pushed forward (as well as the chest), the rear is pushed back, tilting the lower back, and knees and ankles are bent at awkward ankles, while the toes take the brunt of the weight. This is a recipe for pain and poor circulation in all areas of the body.

Ankle Sprain

Without proper footing, ankle sprains are far more likely to take place. In heightened shoes, wearers are more likely to lose balance, slip, or misstep, which can often cause ankle injuries.

Weight Displacement

Feet were made to hold one’s weight evenly, not all on the ball or toes. And the higher the heel, the more pressure that’s put onto the front of the feet. This can cause corns, shortening of toes, hammertoes, bunions, and a number of other pain-inducing issues. [Consumer Healthcare]

Holiday or not, avoiding high heels on a regular basis can help you to avoid these unfortunate health issues. Stick to flats for comfort, and for your health.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Holiday Shopping Back-Saving Tips

This time of year, it’s practically tradition to get in an intense round of shopping. Stores are offering up tremendous sales, and shoppers from all around will stand in long lines to save a few extra dollars. However, no matter what’s on your list during these events, be sure to follow body-friendly routines. That means safe lifting, easy-push carts, and no diving or acrobats to reach emptying shelves – no matter how great the deal.

From staying upright to letting others push through, stick to the following:

Team Lift 

Avoid picking up heavy or large objects alone. Ask a friend (or even a stranger) for help, or wait for the next employee to bring a rolling cart. Improper lifting can cause serious back or neck strain, long-term pains, and ongoing injuries. This shopping season, save your back and wait for help instead.

Can you Find it Online?

These days, practically every item found in-store can be found online. While it may not host the same deals, a few extra funds are often worth the headache of standing in line. Before getting up at a crazy hour, check the computer to see if it’s sold through the store’s website. Many stores even offer free shipping around the holidays.

Use a Cart

Even when picking up a few items, balancing and rearranging them can make your tilt and lean in odd directions. Pick up a cart to wheel your items around with ease; it’s also a great place for the purse (so long as it’s attended), which can also cause back strain if too heavy.

Don’t Fight a Crowd

With angry (or excited) shoppers, there’s really no telling what could take place. Instead of being pushed through a crowded area, opt for times where fewer shoppers will be present. Or let others head in first for a more relaxing, injury-free day of sales.

Whether standing in line for the greatest deals or just picking up a few holiday gifts, remember to follow the above for optimal back health in any shopping scenario.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

4 Places to Avoid Falling Asleep This Thanksgiving

With a fully belly and a warm house, nothing sounds better than a nice afternoon nap. (This comes after mounting research that turkey causes sleepiness.) Whether a short catnap or lasting for hours on end, this post-dinner pick-me-up is just what eaters need to keep them going post dessert. However, before you curl up on the couch this coming Thursday, consider your other, more back-friendly options.

To avoid a backache this Thanksgiving – along with your bellyache – avoid falling asleep in these common napping locations.

4. The Recliner

Though comfy for sitting short-term, sleeping too long in this lazy-L position can cause lower back pain. Look for a sturdier lumbar placement for a power nap that doesn’t drain spinal support.

3. The Kitchen Table

When full, sometimes it’s just too difficult to stand up and move to a cozier location. Whether slouching in your dinner chair or bent over on the table, this position could cause serious repercussions to your mid-back, neck, and circulation. For the sake of staying pain-free, move to a new area before letting the turkey settle.

2. A Sagging Couch

When visiting Grandma or Great Aunt Nell, the draw to that classic family couch can grow strong. However, a sinking center means no support and little cushion for the areas that need it most. While these retro couches can be great for checking the latest football scores, try and stay awake and seated upright.

1. The Floor

The floor can be a truly awful place to take a snooze – after all it’s hard, unforgiving, and offers zero cushioning. Though stretching out may feel great after a big meal, look for the help of a leg, neck, or lower back pillow to help ease the blow of the hardened floor.

This Thanksgiving, a nap may be a well-earned necessity. However, remember to opt for comfortable, supportive locations to keep your spine in prime working order.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Stretches to Improve Lumbar Support

No matter your daily routine or level of back health, a few lumbar-focused exercises can help increase flexibility. Because these moves are specifically designed to loosen muscles and strengthen the core, their focused actions add stability right where you need it most. From the spine, to the hips, to the entire lumbar section, a few stretches and/or exercises each day can greatly improve one’s lower back.

First, start with small stretches to get your muscles loosened and warmed up. Exercising on “cold” muscles – especially within an already injured area – can greatly increase the risk for tightness and ongoing pains. This can be done by simply bending at the waist and reaching for your toes, leaning side to side, or bending sideways with an arm above your head. Start slow to see which movements ting or pull in the back; you will also increase your flexibility over time.

Bach Arch

This move is done standing, with feet placed shoulder-width apart. Palms should sit on the lower back while you bend backward and take deep breaths. Hold for five seconds and repeat multiple times.

The Pelvic Tilt

Next, try lying on your back and placing your arms flat on the floor, knees should be bent with the bottom of your shoes also on the floor. Now, press your rear into the floor so the base of the spine makes contact. Hold this for a few seconds and repeat several times.

Side Stretches

Similar to warm up movements above, the side stretch can help loosen muscles that are harder to locate in “regular” poses. Place one arm straight up into the air and bend the side toward that arm until you feel it stretch. Hold and alternate sides/arms for an even, thorough stretch. [Nismat]

Gaining flexibility throughout the lumbar and lower back is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add strength. Incorporate these moves into your daily routine for a stronger, less painful lower back.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

5 Interesting Facts About the Human Back

From cause to cure, every person’s back behaves a little bit differently. Whether it’s working or sitting on a regular basis, the back supports the body and many of its regular functions. Sometimes this results in pain or injuries, while other, luckier patients, live a healthy-backed life. Due to all of the different causes and potential outcomes, it’s likely that no two back life-stories are the same. However, that didn’t stop doctors from putting stats on the most unlikely of results.

From smoking-induced pains to average yearly fees, check out this list of unusual back-related facts.

5. An upwards of 85% of back pain can’t be identified. 


Though certain causes appear more likely than others, the majority of patients (and their doctors) are unsure as to what instance(s) first triggered their ongoing pain.

4. An adult has 24 spinal sections


Growing and fusing together as the body ages, adults host 24 sections in their spine, while babies are born with 33.

3. Smoking causes back pain


Regular smokers are 2.5 times more likely to develop back pains than non-smokers. This increase is due to oxygen flow within the blood, lengthened healing times, and the degeneration of vertebra discs.

2. Back pain is more common as we age


Though it can occur younger, most develop regular pains between ages 30 and 40. Intermittent aches (such as those from sleeping on a bad mattress) also occur more often and stick around for longer amounts of time.

1. Cartilage accounts for only 25% of the spine


Connecting vertebrae and protecting the spinal cord, cartilage takes up only a quarter of the adult back length. The rest is accounted for by space, ligaments, and the spinal cord itself.

The human back is full of intricacies and random facts of interest. From the areas that cause pain to the makeup of the body itself, doctors and scientists alike are working on new ways to make life more comfortable for those who suffer from regular pain.

To learn more about the back and ways to keep it healthy, head to ContourLiving.com.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Customer Love for the Kabooti Donut Cushion

At Contour Living, we love hearing from customers – especially when they tell us how our products have helped reduce their chronic aches and pains. Over the years, we’ve sold thousands of pillows and sleeping-related devices, and though they’re designed specifically to help, it’s great to hear it directly from those who were affected most.

Our latest praise comes from a dental hygienist in New Jersey. After more than two decades in the profession, she wrote to tell us that her back pain was finally gone. With the Kabooti Donut Cushion, she is now able to perform her job in a pain-free environment.

She writes, “I recently visited a medical convention in Orlando, Florida, and enjoyed the convention and conference expo. While there I discovered the Kabooti [cushion] at your booth. I brought a sample pack back to the office and I love it. In two days I have noticed a major difference in my posture and comfort level while delivering dental care to my patients. It’s great!! The cushion provides super support with minimum movement on the dental chair surface. After 21 years of delivering dental hygiene I have finally found a back saving solution!!!”

Thanks to our hygienist for writing in – we’re so happy to hear the Kabooti has put an end to your painful working days. It’s also an inspiration to others in the profession that there’s hope for ongoing comfort – even after years of suffering.

To learn more about the Kabooti Donut Cushion, head over to the product page for specs, replacement covers (there’s even one in camo!) – and an overview as to how the cushion works. By combining a donut ring, coccyx cushion, and a seating wedge, the Kabooti has everything you need to keep your booty comfortable.

And if you have any questions or comments – let us know. It might even make the blog!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Benefits of Lumbar-Focused Exercise

No matter what type of shape your back is in, strengthening the lumbar area is a great way to improve its health. Stretching, moving, and exercise all work to get your back breathing and working correctly. Whether injured, in slight pain, or dealing with a healthy, pain-free back, making sure it’s properly supported can reduce any future or ongoing issues. Think about it – legs need to walk, arms need to move, hips need to turn – why shouldn’t the back get special treatment as well?

But that’s just a portion of the benefits that lumbar exercises have to offer.

With stretches alone, the lumbar area can loosen, relax, and even lengthen itself. This means added comfort, support, and an easy way to help gently brush away recurring pains. This goes for legs and rear stretches as well. Both muscles correlate with the back, and stretching them will travel up and into the area that needs it most. The more regularly you stretch, the more benefits that can be found from keeping a loosened back.

Another added benefit comes from removing pressure. Through chair (or bench), step, or medicine ball work, you can easily remove bodyweight and pressure from the back. This allows the body to gain some much needed relief, not to mention lessen any swelling or excess weight that may be causing additional pain.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, lumbar exercises, strengths, and conditions the entire back. This means that during new or strenuous activity, the area is ready for whatever it may encounter. Not only does this reduce the chance of an injury, it’s great motivation to stay in shape. Regular movement = healthy back.

To keep your entire lumbar area in healthy working order, consider adding back-orientated exercises into your daily routine.

Stay tuned for even more back-related strength and exercise tips.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Exercises to Improve Back Health

Throughout the day, we sit, stand, stretch, and slouch our way through activities. Day after day, along with work, exercise, and any other actions we may take, our habits can get the best of us. Back pains occur, strains begin to take place, and muscles become sore or achy after this repeat behavior. And while extreme or ongoing injuries should certainly be discussed with a doctor, there are also many at-home remedies to help ease the issues at hand

One of the easiest ways to loosen up the back is through regular movement. By stretching and exercising your back, you can easily work to reduce ongoing strains.

To receive continued relief, remember to get moving on a regular basis.


Back Stretches 

If you don’t enjoy exercise or aren’t physically able, stretching can be a great alternative. Raise your arms, twist your upper body, or ask a friend or family member to help stretch you out. Leaning and reaching offer great muscle toning options as well.

No matter your agreed-upon routine, stretching can greatly improve mobility and blood flow throughout the back.

Swimming and Other Forms of Cardio 

Swimming is one of the best exercises for a back-friendly workout as it eliminates gravity. Without excess stretch or pull, the back can relax and heal in a stress-free environment. This can be done by swimming laps, treading water, or even walking in deeper water (stomach to chest level).

By providing resistance without gravity, swimming can get you moving without adding unnecessary pressure. Other forms of cardio such as jogging, biking, hiking, etc. offer equal perks, but should only be done by those with strong, healthy backs. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure if these activities are back friendly.

Yoga 

Much similar to stretching, yoga allows participants to stretch and strengthen the back at the same time. What’s great about the sport is that it can be adjusted to virtually any user’s comfort level. Start off slow and work up to more intense levels of exercise that help both the back and the rest of your body.

When taking classes, ask an instructor for back health poses to get the most out of your sessions. (Which you can then practice at home.) From invasive exercise to light stretching, there are a number of moves that can help improve one’s back health.

Test out the above, talk to an exercise guru at the local gym, or check with your doctor to see which moves will best help you and your back.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

What is the BackMax and How Can it Help?

With a name like “BackMax” is pretty easy to tell this product was specifically designed for spinal health. But other than claiming the maximum amount of comfort, size, and whatever it is this product holds, the name doesn’t give justice to what it can do. Just as it promised, the BackMax offers the highest amount of functions possible. With a single product, users can relax, relieve pain, sleep, lounge, or perform any other number of sitting options.

So, what exactly is this miracle product? The BackMax Body Wedge is a large folding cushion that has the ability to mold and form into several different positions. Users simply adjust for the best setup, then sink into the wedged cushion to receive back support and relief from all angles. There’s even a BackMax Plus, which is a wider version of the original. The Plus also comes with a fleece cover for extra cleanliness and textural appeal.

How the Back Support Product Works


Folding into eight different position, the BackMax works to alleviate pain by removing excess pressure on the back. From its standard zero gravity make up to its stomach-friendly holds, the BackMax allows each user to sit or lay in a way that feels most comfortable. Best of all, it’s easy to change position without purchasing another product or pillow. Just fold and move to find your new favorite back position. Use the entire Max, or unzip and remove different sections to best support the legs, lower back, or neck.

Use the BackMax while lounging on the floor, in bed, or on the couch – its versatility allows the product to move almost anywhere.

BackMax’s Benefits



With the BackMax, users can:

Watch TV, read, nap, or sit and relax
Elevate legs for circulation
Reduce pressure or strains along the entire spine
Easily lay on one’s stomach
Eliminate gravity for relaxed, pain-free back relief
Recover from knee or hip surgery without adding excessive weight or stress to the injured area.

Made of supportive foam, the wedge is able to uphold the body without wearing or sinking in the process. You can even wash its plush cover for an extra clean section each time you use it.

From back pain, to surgery relief, to a comfortable place to relax, the BackMax (and its Plus counterpart) offers a unique, proven way to cradle the back. Consider this one-of-a-kind product for all your back health needs.

Ready to see more, head to the BackMax page at Contour Living.