H E A LT H
2
WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
This is a deadly culprit for back pain and
most men don’t even think to consider it.
A mattress should be comfortable but also
supportive. It needs to provide the right re-
sistance and support the hip, knee, shoulder,
and lower back areas as those are what re-
ceive the most pressure during the night.
So, consider this; is your mattress is more
than 8 years old it needs to be replaced.
Look for something that is supportive and
promotes good posture as you sleep. Mem-
ory foam products are great for this.
BACK PAIN
3
Do you find yourself in a
constant state of discom-
fort or lower back pain?
Studies show that the
rate of lower back pain
in middle-aged men has
increased exponentially
over the last decade and
it’s all to do with the heavy
lifestyles we live today.
Workload, stress, and
health problem, these are
all key factors in why your
back probably hurts. But
let’s take a deeper look
into the common causes
and what you can do to
help relieve or remedy
the pain.
5 4
HO T
WHAT CAN CAUSE
BACK PAIN
The list of reasons are endless, but these
are the most common today.
1
WORKPLACE CONDITIONS
Immediately, you probably think this ap-
plies to men who work in physically chal-
lenging workplaces. But that’s not always
the case. Those who have careers which
force them to bend, lift, and carry large
and/or heavy items will no doubt lead to
some serious back pain.
But so does a career in an office. Sitting for
long periods of time in an uncomfortable
chair can put pressure on your spine and
promotes poor posture as you lean over
your desk. Studies show that this environ-
ment can worsen an existing back problem
but also create a new one if you continue
it each day.
To avoid this, make sure that your back is
straight against the back of the chair, your
line of sight is parallel to the floor, and your
elbows (when bent) are level with the top
of your desk. Also, taking frequent breaks
by getting up and stretching can make a
world of difference.
RUS S I AN
BRI D ES®
POOR MATTRESS
-
MEN’S
HEAVY LIFTING
This ties in with workplace conditions, but
it also applies to everyday life. It’s recom-
mended that you not attempt to lift more
than half of your body weight and, even
then, it should be done with caution. When
you bend to lift a heavy object, your low-
er back immediately become the pivot-
ing point. If the item is too heavy or you
bend the wrong way, you risk displacing
your lower lumbar, tearing ligaments, and
stretching muscles.
Instead, see if there’s a way to push or pull
the object on a trolley. Seek the assistance
of another person to help lift from the other
end. Anything, aside from lifting it yourself.
4
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Sometimes, back problem among men
area unavoidable if they’re passed down
from family members. Poor bone density,
hereditary conditions, and other more seri-
ous issues can be embedded in your body,
regardless of what you do.
Also, obesity is a health concern when
talking about lower back pain. Your spine
supports your entire body and when
there’s extra weight to accommodate the
spine becomes weak and strained.
It’s tough, but try and do things like los-
ing a few pounds, changing your diet to
help soothe the effects of other medical
conditions.
L IFESTYL E
M A G A ZINE