Why All Dads Need to Watch Their Backs
When a man becomes a dad, the joy of lifting up his kids and playing with them is one of the greatest pleasures. While newborns are light, kids grow fast and dads continue to lift them incorrectly, resulting in low back pain from the increased strain.
If you’re a dad, perhaps you have some aches and pains in your back. You may attribute them to the natural process of aging, but there’s something you’re likely overlooking. You’re not lifting your kids properly. Taking care of your back now will help you avoid chronic back pain problems and allow you to enjoy playing with your kids as they grow.
Dads with back pain should take extra care when lifting their kids. They gain weight every week and before you know it, that tiny newborn is a toddler putting more strain on your back. Even if you’re using a baby carrier, you can cause serious injury to your lower back. You might not notice it for years to come when suddenly you’re rendered bed-ridden from the pain of a herniated disc.
Also, all those odd hours that you jump out of bed to help with your kids takes its toll. As we age, our bodies need more time to warm up. Constant stress like this paves the way for low back injuries.
Posture and ergonomics also play a role in this. From desk jobs that cause you to hunch over a laptop to demanding physical jobs, when you add in playtime with lifting up your little ones, you can do serious damage to your lower back.
Before things get bad, take care of your back now. Here’s how!
– Listen to your back
If your lower back hurts, take the time to nurture it. It’s a sign of injury if it aches. Avoid lifting things and use hot and cold treatments to relieve pain.
– Practice good form
For both lifting and merely sitting at your desk, posture is so important. When you pick up your children, lift with your legs. If your back hurts, give it a break from lifting the kids and spend time with them in another way. Sit up straight and stand properly to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your lower back. You may find changing your chair at work helps correct slouching and helps your back align.
– Choose therapies that work for you
All dads can benefit from a good massage that helps work the tired muscles of the back and gets circulation flowing. This circulation brings oxygen to the area for healing. If low back pain has really been plaguing you, you may have a herniated disc. In this case, working with a physiotherapist to do special exercises can help restore your spinal health.
If you’ve been in an accident, you may also want to explore possibilities with a licensed chiropractor who can help you get the relief you need. For all these therapies, you don’t have to run around to appointment after appointment. We offer in-home services at your convenience to help dads be durable for their darling children so call us today!
