Bend your knees to avoid back pain.

I'm always interested in practical tips and advice that I can incorporate into my regime, so when I found this article by Dr. Mark Kestner on the murfreesboropost.com site I thought I would share it. It's titled "Avoid back pain in 2012 with these tips", but of course applies to any time you like.

He bases this article on the old premise that we should bend our knees when we lift anything. Sound advice, as he agrees. However his suggestion is to get into the habit of routinely bending the knees when you pick anything up at all, even a pen. Dr. Kestner says that by developing this habit you have a greatly reduced chance of injuring your lower back.

It can be difficult, as we lose strength and flexibility in our legs as we age, so we tend, most of us, to bend at the hips rather than squatting to pick anything up.

He goes on to say that even if you already have back problems (most of us I suppose) developing the habit of bending at the knees can help restore spinal health and avoid future problems.

To read what he has to say in full, including his description and recommendation of one of the most simple and effective basic back exercises, click here.