Did you know that about 8% of adults in the U.S. deal with chronic back pain that really puts a dent in their daily lives? It’s no joke, especially when it comes to how we move our bodies. Take it from Dr. Arthur Jenkins, a top-notch spine surgeon who works with the New York Jets and the NFL Retired Players Program. He’s got some crucial advice for folks with back pain: don’t mess around with certain movements, especially what he calls BLT – bending, lifting, and twisting all at once.
So, why are these movements such a big no-no? Well, imagine your spine as a stack of little cushions (those are your disks) between the bones. When you bend, lift, and twist all together, it’s like squishing those cushions in ways they really don’t like. Dr. Jenkins says it can even lead to something called disk herniation, where those cushions get damaged and put pressure on your spinal nerves. Ouch.
Think about it: shoveling snow, lifting a kid’s car seat out of the car, even hauling around luggage at the airport – those are all prime examples of BLT in action. And it’s not just the big stuff; even everyday movements can add up if you’re not careful.
So, next time you’re about to twist and shout, remember to be kind to your back. Engage that core, think about how you’re moving, and maybe even ask for a hand if you need it. Your spine will thank you later.
