The Stay At Home order is in effect in Minnesota, and it seems likely that it will extend beyond the original end date of April 10. If you’re like most Americans, that means you’re doing your part to social distance and you’re finding ways to stay entertained at home. For many individuals, that means turning on the television and binge watching a new show or rewatching some of their favorites.
So whether you’re planning on binge-watching Tiger King or you’re going to rewatch the first three seasons of The Office, you’re going to want to keep some tips in mind, otherwise that lengthy television session can do a lot of harm to your spine. Below, we share some tips for protecting your spine during your next Netflix marathon.
Spine Safety During TV Binging
Keep these tips in mind ahead of your next Netflix marathon, and you’ll reduce your risk of developing back pain:
- 1. Stay Hydrated – Drinking water during your Netflix session is good for a number of reasons. For starters, blood vessels are less constricted when they are hydrated, which allows blood to flow throughout your body more easily. So even though you’re not working up a sweat, your body is still able to push healthy blood where it needs to go. Another reason why water is helpful is because it will help fill up your bladder, which in turn requires you to get up and move. Movement helps to prevent muscle groups from becoming overstressed and also helps facilitate blood flow throughout your body. Always have a big glass of water nearby when watching TV.
- 2. Actively Watch – You may want to turn your brain off for a while and just watch some Netflix, but that doesn’t mean you also need to turn your body off. Set up the treadmill or stationary bike in front of the television and get your exercise in during your binge session. You’ll feel a lot better about yourself if you walked eight miles during a six episode mini marathon than if you just sat on the couch the whole time. This activity will also help to strengthen key areas in your spine. It’s a win-win.
- 3. Stand Up And Stretch – Make it a point to stand up and stretch a bit every 15 minutes or so. This may seem like an inconvenience, but all we’re really asking you to do is stand for a minute and loosen up some areas that are handling stress while you sit. This simple activity helps keep your lumbar spine from being overloaded with stress, and it helps you realize that some areas of your body are sore. Have you ever noticed that you didn’t really know that your back felt stiff or sore until you stood up off the couch? We tend to block out dull pain sensations when we’re immobile, but getting moving, even if it’s just standing up to stretch, can call attention to these aching areas and allow you to take corrective actions sooner.
- 4. Support Your Spine – Wherever you decide to stream, make sure you find yourself in a position that is comfortable for your spine. Padded sofas or a couch that you sink into will only put extra stress on your lower back. Go for a supportive armchair or consider laying down with your neck in a comfortable position, as this will help ensure your spine is in a healthy alignment. Your couch puts more pressure on your spine than you may imagine, so help offset this stress by sitting in a spot that supports your spine and makes it easy for you to have good posture.
If you’re dealing with back pain after your most recent Netflix session, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today.
