Tips from a Spine Surgeon:
How to avoid back problems this summer
Summer is here and the risk of getting a back-related injury
goes way up. So before you grab that golf club, bicycle or
pair of running shoes consider the following tips.
1. Start slow and work your way into an activity. Develop
an exercise routine gradually. Avoid sudden bursts of sports
between inactive periods. If you haven’t been exercising
regularly, consider an exercise program with a trained professional.
2. Summer traveling and sitting for long periods can wreak
havoc on your spine. Stand up frequently and stretch. Be careful
carrying heavy luggage. Use wheels when possible.
3. Get a good night’s rest. If you’re tired and
lack concentration, there’s a higher chance you’ll
injure yourself with almost any activity.
4. Lose weight- Try carrying an extra 20 pounds around for
a few days. The heavier you are, the harder your body has
to work to keep you moving. According to the American Obesity
Association, episodes of back pain occur in nearly one-third
of Americans who are classified as obese. Look into an effective
weight loss program. Contact a registered dietician.
5. Stop smoking –You can add to the list of all the
terrible things smoking can do to you early degeneration of
the disc and back pain. There are many effective smoking cessation
aids such as the nicotine patch, hypnosis or medications.
Have a healthy summer!
Dr. Nathaniel L. Tindel is a Board Certified Orthopaedic
Surgeon who specializes in back surgery and practices in Smithtown
at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center. He is the co-author
of “I’ve Got Your Back: The Truth about Spine
Surgery Straight for a Surgeon.”
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is a member of Catholic
Health Services of Long Island and is devoted to providing
advanced healthcare, in an environment of compassion, to its
patients and their families. The Medical Center sits on a
110-acre campus and includes a 318-bed acute care hospital,
a 240-bed nursing home, a 298 unit senior housing facility,
and a medical office building. For additional information
please call (631) 870-3444.
# # # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lily Scarlett
Public&External Affairs
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center
50 Route 25A
Smithtown, NY 11787
PH:(631) 862-3523
Fax:(631) 862-3943
phyllis.scarlett@chsli.org
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