Back Care Awareness Week

Back Care Awareness Week is dedicated to all out there who suffer from the familiar pangs of back pain. Does back pain interfere with your life? This week, you will learn how you are certainly not alone.

Back pain is a widespread issue. It’s not only an uncomfortable reality for older adults. Rather, it impacts people across most age groups. If a sore back keeps you on the sidelines instead of enjoying life, this week’s for you.

History of Back Care Awareness Week

Let’s look a little bit closer at the history of Back Care Awareness Week. This week-long observance came only after the efforts of a British charity named BackCare.

The organizer was a philanthropist called Stanley Grundy. His motivation? He suffered from chronic back pain. He originally named the non-profit the Back Pain Research Association in 1968.

Establishing a week to bring attention to the importance of back health had a noble goal – the prevention of back pain. Over the years, this week has grown in significance. The most famous patron of the organization is none other than His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.

Today, Back Care Awareness Week is a leading event for promoting back care. While back pain can happen at any age, it’s most among adults over 60 with age-related back issues.

How to Celebrate Back Care Awareness Week

Celebrating Back Care Awareness Week can change your life if you suffer with pain. If you love someone who does, it’s also an opportunity to show support. Here are some ways to observe the week:

Educate Yourself

Spend time doing some research during Back Care Awareness Week. It’s a time of understanding more about better back health. Check out online resources about the spine:

• The spine’s anatomy
• Some common causes of back pain
• The importance of improving your posture
• Avoiding back muscle staring
• And age-related wear and tear on the spine.

You should also take time to learn more about preventive measures. Read about correct lifting techniques and posture-friendly sitting habits.

Understanding these things can revolutionize your daily routines. But more importantly, they’ll lower your risk of back issues and enhance your overall quality of life.

Adjust Your Workspace

So many of us find ourselves practically glued to our desk for eight hours per day. Inactivity paired with poor ergonomics is a harmful combination. The result? Back strain.

This week, spend a few moments looking at your workspace.

• Does your chair support your lower back?
• Is your computer screen set at eye level to avoid slouching?
• Are your keyboard and mouse positioned so that you’re not stretching to reach them?
• Do you have your monitor at the right distance to avoid straining the upper back and neck?

Ergonomics should not be an overused buzzword discussed by the HR department. Rather, it is a practicality when you want better for back health.

Some worthy investments can make a world of difference. Consider an ergonomic chair, a standing desk, or footrests under the desk.

Stay Gently Active to Ease the Pain

Your body is not meant for day-long sitting. Your back loves to move! During Back Care Awareness Week, try some back-strengthening activities. You can work these into your daily routine. You only need to invest a few minutes.

Some helpful activities to try include the following:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Gentle stretching
• Yoga

These activities help with strengthening the muscles that support your spine. In addition, they help enhance your posture and mobility. Stick with these for a few weeks to see results.

As with any exercise, consistency is key. Even short daily targeted exercise can mean more comfort and improved back health.

Seek Professional Advice

Persistent back pain is not a problem you should ignore. Are you avoiding the dreaded doctor’s visit? Back Care Awareness Week is a good reminder to schedule a visit with a doctor.

A healthcare professional can offer a diagnosis, confirming the precise cause of your pain. They can then suggest appropriate exercises. Or they might refer you to specialists like physiotherapists or chiropractors.

Regardless of whatever ails your back, this professional guidance ensures that you’re on the right path to managing your back pain.

Spread the Word About Back Care Awareness Week

Sharing is caring. That expression is especially true when it comes to back health. Use this week to educate others around you. Share your tips for anyone who needs to hear them.

If you are comfortable with it, explain your firsthand experiences. Use the hashtag #BackCareAwarenessWeek in your postings.

If you feel super motivated, perhaps you might organize a community seminar on back care. When you create this awareness, you will both help others feel better and build a back-healthier community.