Water makes up around two thirds of our body, and influences every single process in our body. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body needs water to work correctly.
Now that you might be aware of the many “tips and tricks” that are out there on “how to avoid a bad back”, and “how to relieve the pain” – but have you ever heard of drinking more water to help with that?
I get that it might sound “too simple” to make a difference, but dehydration really can be one of the culprits of back pain, and one of the reasons why it stays around for longer than it needs to.
In between each section of the spine (the vertebrae) lies a disc – which are mainly made up of water. During the day when we’re standing up, they slowly become dehydrated, then at night when we’re laying down, they re-hydrate themselves again (so long as there is ENOUGH water in the body!).
If there’s not enough water in the body, then this is bad news for your discs, and eventually this lack of water can cause pain, swelling, and even more problems further down the line.
Just like a car engine needs to keep lubricated to run properly – your body needs water for your joints, organs, and muscles to function.
Now, let’s take a look at a few things so you can start living a life without back pain:
1. Signs that you’re not drinking enough water
The most obvious sign is feeling thirsty, but here’s some not so obvious signs.
– Feeling tired
– Dizziness
– Dry skin and lips
– Headaches
– Constipation
– Mood swings
– And…joint pain
The list goes on!… But one of the best and most reliable signs is to check your urine – if it’s dark and not a light yellow color, get more water in your system!
2. What you can expect when you start drinking more water…
After a few weeks of drinking more of water, what benefits can you expect to see?
Less soreness in your back for one.
You’ll feel ‘healthier’, your eyes may not feel as tired, and you’ll feel more alert!
Additionally, water can help you lose weight (if that’s something you’d like to achieve), your skin will look clearer and you’ll have a natural glow!
3. How can you increase your water intake?
It is recommended that one should drink six to eight 8-oz glasses of water a day. Here are some tips that might help you get closer to the goal.
Besides using a bigger glass to drink your water with, start your day drinking a glass of water right after waking up. Try to place a glass of water on your bedside table before you go to bed, that way, when you wake up in the morning, the first thing you see is a glass of water right beside you.
Avoid excessive intake of caffeinated drinks, coffee, alcohol and energy drinks as it will make you dehydrated as well.
Try switching to sparkling water sometimes to give a little more flavor. Add fresh lemon, cucumber or other fruits to your water. Experiment with it and try to find something that suits you.
Also, sip small amounts of water in a consistent manner throughout the day.
Now, you have these simple tips to help you drink more water each day. Don’t let another day go by of being dehydrated. It is really important that you maintain enough water intake to lessen any unwanted pain and tension in your lower back muscles. If you have any questions regarding your health and how to end back pain for good naturally, please contact us at pchan@handsonnj-pt.com. or call (732) 548-8068.
Dr. Chan has given numerous workshops and talks on “How to End Neck and Back Pain?” at local libraries, senior centers, and community centers. He is now a trusted health and wellness advisor in the local community.
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