Beat back pain at 50

Health

11 August 2009 00:00

// At work, ask your HR team for a desk assessment. Sitting slumped at your desk with your computer and chair in the wrong place could contribute to all sorts of problems. Being stuck at your desk in the same position for long periods could add to your pain, so once an hour get up and walk about, rolling your shoulders back and gently tilting your pelvis forwards and backwards to stretch out your spine and ease aches.

// Add some weights into your workout – not only is it a good way to lose weight and beat your bingo wings into shape, it could help your back, too. Include some resistance training with weights into your exercise routine (ask your local gym or even your GP for help) and you could reduce back pain by 60 per cent. Using weights helps to strengthen your muscles, so you can do more without pain.

// If you’re still feeling the pinch, try acupuncture. Scientists have found that a session twice a week for three weeks and then weekly for four weeks significantly improve symptoms of back pain. Contact the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or www.acupuncture.org.uk for a practitioner in your area.

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