How to Prevent Back Injuries

Back injuries can be serious, causing pain, difficulty moving and even paralysis. Unfortunately, when back injuries arise, the victim is very likely to suffer from recurrences for the rest of their life, and it can make going to work and pursuing activities very difficult. Back injuries can occur in accidents at work, when on the road or simply from sitting around, and it is much easier to injure a back than to repair the damage.
When people injure their back, they can face a lot of other problems, including medical bills and lost wages. If the injury occurs in an accident that wasn't their fault, they can make a back injury compensation claim against the negligent party and recover these losses. This can help people to get their lives back on track following what can be a devastating personal injury.
So how can you prevent back injuries? There are no completely perfect answers, but the following suggestions should significantly reduce your likelihood of suffering a back injury.

Stay healthy

You should eat nutritious meals, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The minerals and anti-oxidants in healthy food can improve your muscle and bone strength, making you less susceptible to back injuries. Calcium helps you maintain strong bones and reduces your likelihood of developing illnesses such as osteoporosis, which can lead to sprains and fractures.
Keeping a healthy weight will reduce the amount of pressure your gut puts on your back and helps you to keep a healthy posture when you stand. Bad habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking, cause all sorts of health problems and can increase your susceptibility to back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems.

Exercise regularly

Exercise ensures you remain flexible and supple, so you are less likely to injure your back when moving around. Maintaining strong stomach muscles and back muscles will help to support your back and prevent it from becoming strained. Exercise should also help to reduce the amount of stress you feel, which is linked to musculoskeletal problems.
Exercise is also an essential element of back pain recovery. While sufferers might feel that they want to stay in bed in a prone position, moving around prevents stiffness and promotes healing.
Do not over-exert yourself when exercising, however. You can worsen the severity of back injuries or even cause an injury through improper exercise, such as when lifting heavy weights.

Avoid lifting and ensure you lift properly

A huge number of back injuries are caused by lifting, such as when at work. Lifting heavy objects or awkward objects can put the back under a lot of strain, leading to damage to the back muscles and even spinal injuries.
Prepare before lifting an object. If you are planning to do work that could lead to a back injury, take a few moments to stretch. Do not lift more than you are capable of, and take more journeys if required - carrying a 10kg load is a lot more dangerous than carrying a 5kg load and returning for another 5kg load.
Try not to lift things from floor level, and ensure you lift with your legs instead of your back. If lifting equipment is available, or if you can move objects with carts, then do so. Take some time out to rest, stretch, and move around.
Repetitive actions can also lead to back injuries and muscle fatigue. Try to avoid repeating the same action over and over again. Take regular breaks, if possible.

Maintain a good posture

Posture is a leading factor in back injuries compensation claims, such as when workplaces force staff members to remain in an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods of time. Stand up and move around if you start to feel cramp or become uncomfortable. If sitting, ensure that your back is straight and well-supported by using the right office chair. Ensure it is at the right height and that your arms do not become strained when at your desk.
Slouching can lead to back injuries, as can remaining in the same position for a long period of time. When standing, stay upright, and walk around if possible.

Manage stress

Stress can lead to back injuries and a huge range of other health problems. If you are feeling stressed, then try to do something about it. Take up an activity, receive a massage, exercise, talk about your problems, and make changes to your life - do all you can to manage your stress levels. While occasionally feeling stressed is natural, constant stress can lead to difficulty concentrating, appetite problems, sleeping problems and mental health disorders, as well as back injuries.
If you're not sure about whether or not you can claim for compensation after suffering a back injury, then speak to personal injury solicitors about your claim and receive clear, professional advice.