More than 80% of adult Americans experience back and/or neck pain. PROCare Physical Therapy of Milwaukee can help correct the injury causing this pain.

Risk Factors for Back and Neck Pain and Disability

Poor Posture
Whether you're sitting, standing, or sleeping, poor posture can lead to low back problems. A correct posture is one that maintains the normal curves of your spine. Certain types of chairs and mattresses can help to maintain the normal curves of the back. Flexibility and strengthening exercises can help you. Your PROCare Physical Therapist can help you to re-train your body to maintain proper posture.

Faulty Body Mechanics
Faulty body mechanics is a leading cause of back and neck injuries. While performing work or household activities, proper lifting, and bending techniques can help to minimize risk of injury. Your PROCare Physical Therapist can teach you the correct technique for each of these activities. However, correcting faulty back mechanics and developing good habits will take concentrated effort on your part throughout the entire day.

Poor Working Habits
Making adaptations to your work or home environment can help to minimize the risk of neck and low back injury. This may include adjusting the height of your work station, the support in your chair, or the way you lift. Your PROCare Physical Therapist can make recommendations for your particular work environment that will help to speed your recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury or chronic neck and back problems.

Poor Flexibility
A loss of flexibility limits the range in which your body can safely maneuver. When the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the neck, shoulders, low back, hips, and legs are shortened, you may be unable to assume a proper position for lifting, bending, and stooping, and thus be at greater risk for injury. Tightened structures also place greater stress on the tissues and joints surrounding them. A routine of regular stretching exercises can improve your flexibility and minimize your risk of neck and low back problems. Your PROCare Physical Therapist will teach you the proper exercises to improve your flexibility.

Poor Physical Conditioning
People in poor physical condition are more apt to injure themselves than those who exercise regularly. Regular Aerobic Activity will improve your physical fitness level and help to reduce your risk of low back injury. By including a 20-30 minute aerobic workout into your daily routine, you will not only decrease your risk for low back injury but also your risk of such chronic diseases as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Accidents
Accidents are also a frequent cause of neck and low back injury. Getting adequate sleep, focusing on the activity at hand, and allowing adequate time for the activity, can help to prevent accidents in the home and work environment. Of course, using proper mechanics during all activities will also help you to avoid injury.