BackWords

Well, we are fast approaching the end of the school year, and with that comes finals season. Normally, during the rest of the year I don’t see a whole lot of teenagers with back pain, but this time of year I almost always see more high school and college age students who are hurting. As you will hear me say again and again- we simply weren’t designed to sit on our butts all day long. Watch my video tip of the day, then proceed to some other simple tips you can do to help protect yourself (or your kids!) from back pain while studying for finals.

studenttip

To prevent yourself from experiencing back pain when studying for hours & hours & hours….

1) As I said in the video, get up periodically (optimally every 45 minutes or so.)

2) Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid the temptation to use energy drinks, as they will actually leave you dehydrated. Water will help you prevent stiffness, and ultimately if you are drinking enough, it will force you to adhere to (1) above.

3) If you are seated at a computer for studying, make sure your monitor is propped up to eye level (old phone books make a great monitor stand,) and your keyboard is at a height which allows you to have a neutral wrist position (with your wrists flat.) If you are using a laptop, and external keyboard can help you to optimize your position, and they are no longer an expensive proposition.

4) Use a book stand rather than holding onto a heavy textbook which will force you into an anatomically compromised position.

5) If your chair does not have one built in, roll up a small towel or t-shirt to use as a lumbar support. Place it into the small of your back.

These few suggestions may go far in preventing you from having to take finals in pain. I hope they help. If you have any other thoughts or suggestions, please share them with us on the blog.

Best,

-Andy

Photo from in the studio during appearance on Martha Stewart Radio Tuesday.