Leighton makes a good point about hip and back problems, and how to handle it and he is in good company.
It is estimated that around 87% of people in their working lives will experience a back problem that will interfere with their work, often causes absences, and sometimes long prolonged absences.
The problem is often treated with painkillers, and in more extreme cases an operation.
Prevention and managing the problem therefore becomes paramount.
I have talked a lot about back and hip problems in the past, so its time to re-address it once again.
First thing to realize that your back is related to your hips, hamstrings and thighs in certain ways, so if you have a problem with one of these, you are likely to get a problem with your back.
Laying on your back used to be the treatment years ago, but doctors encourage movement now.
First step is changing your trainers, wearing trainers more than 6 months will cause problems, even if you don’t run!
Buy running shoes, even for light walking as most of the scientific research goes into these shoes, and offer tremendous support and are good for 500 miles, or 6 months of normal use. Most back, knee and ankle problems can be traced back to poor footwear. Keep your walking to low durations, for example 20-30 minutes maximum.
Buying a swiss ball or fit ball or whatever you want to call it, you know those big balls you sit on? These will become very valuable to you.
Start by sitting on the ball, and trying to balance yourself.
Then when you feel comfortable with that gently walk forward with baby steps for four steps, then walk back, try this for ten times.
Then go on you back, and place your legs over ball, with your hands by your side and head on the floor (you don’t want to strain your neck). Then roll side to side for 10 as far as you can go WITHOUT PAIN. This is entirely therapeutic and will feel as if you are doing a lot of good, freeing the stiffness in your hips and back at the same time.
Do the ball exercises Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 3 lots of each please.
These are easy steps straight away to make your back feel a lot better and a lot stronger. More tomorrow.
