According to the American academy of orthopaedic surgeons, four out of every five adults experience back pain at some point during their lives, although it is unfortunate that this common problem persists despite advances in medical research.

A lot of legal professional experience back pain due to the demands of their job. A stationery position (either sitting or standing) over long periods of time is unavoidable and this has a negative impact on the body.

Most Legal professional experience either acute or chronic back pain. Acute back pain is sudden and intense and it lasts for a short period of time. This is due to injury to the muscle or other soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. Chronic pain is a deep, dull or aching pain, lasting for three months or more. It can be located in one area or it can travel down to the arms or legs.

So which of these back pain are you currently experiencing and how have you managed it?

In a lot of cases, Legal professionals lean more towards relying on medication to manage the pain. Truth be told, prolonged use of medication eventually loses its effect and it is back to grappling with the pain.

Some simple exercises built into your daily routine can help manage the pain without taking harmful medication and with little or no cost to you.

Every day,

• Be sure to stand up and walk around every 50 minutes. This helps to exercise the muscles and joints preventing muscle fatigue. It’s a lack of exercise that contribute to back pain.
• Drink 8 glasses of water daily (a glass every hour)
• Invest in a chair massage
• While on your seat you can do one of the following exercises;
• Touch your toes 4 times
• Do 5 twists from side to side
• Stretch your arms and legs at least 4 times each

Now the above is applicable if you have tons and tons of work to do at the firm. But for a professional lawyer that is in court on a consistent basis, you hardly have time to do anything because you are either on the road trying to get to the court in time or you are in the court all day.

Here are a few things you could do to help strengthen your back and neck because these are the two that are really assaulted in circumstances like this.
1. Take a short 5-minute walk just before you get into court.
2. At the end of the walk do a few stretches. Stretch your arm, your legs at least 4 times each.

It has also been discovered that a few dietary habits can relieve back pain.
Here are a few things to include in your diet.

1. Leafy green vegetables such as Pumpkin leaves (Ugu), Spinach (tete), Shoko etc.
2. Eat salads daily (once a day is good enough)
3. Add ginger to meals (Ginger is known for its pain-relieving capabilities)
4. Drink celery tea first thing every morning.

Here are a few things to exclude from your diet.

1. Avoid foods containing MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and food additives these substances have been shown to interfere with the nervous system and damage nerves over time.

Has this been helpful? Please leave a comment regarding any questions or concerns you might have and one of our in-house doctors will be happy to assist you. We are dedicated to ensure that you are the best HEALTHY you.

To Your Good Health!