Admittedly, there are also questionable action days. Most, however, focus attention on the current situation of important socio-political or medical problems. One in the area of “health” is gaining in importance year after year: the “Back Health Day“.

Launched by the “Pain Forum” in the “German Green Cross” on March 15th, it is intended to call for active prevention of back problems. The fact that it attracts greater interest every year is due to the unpleasant fact that the problems associated with the cross have become a widespread disease.

This year too, it can be said that back problems remain at the top of the most common medical problems in Germany. A current survey by the “Healthy Back Campaign” (AGR) e. V.” According to this, 70 percent of Germans have back pain at least once a month. Of the 1,000 respondents, around two thirds said they felt their quality of life was limited by their pain.

Muscle tension is the most common cause

According to the “Healthy Back Campaign” 90 percent of cases can be traced back to an uncomplicated cause, mostly to muscular tension due to poor posture, one-sided strain or a lack of movement. This puts uneven strain on muscles, causing some to shorten or harden. A classic example of forced poor posture that lasts for hours is working at the computer, sitting or at a desk. As computers play a role as a central work tool in more and more professions, more and more people sit for long periods of the day. In stressful situations, many people tense up and in this situation they certainly don't think about ensuring sufficient counter-movement every now and then. A central issue can also be incorrectly set or outdated ones Office chairs and Desks be that cannot be adapted to the individual needs of the individual.

The result: tension and pain. Unlike nerve function disorders or skeletal diseases, back pain caused by too little exercise can also be managed through exercise. Detlef Detjen from the “Healthy Back Campaign” explains that it is like a small massage when muscles and joints are moved. A protective posture, on the other hand, increases the pain.

Back health as the sum of several components

Since its introduction, “Back Health Day” has had a special motto. These mottoes show how diverse the causes of problems with the back are: “Do it for you – 15 minutes of back fitness every day” (2014) made it clear that regular, targeted training can have a big impact. “It's in your hands - back pain offers opportunities” (2015) alluded to the fact that psychological resilience is only beneficial for back health and that an active mental attitude helps to deal with back pain and to reorganize life in a back-friendly manner. “Ergodynamics – get your everyday life moving” presented approaches to back health at work, at school or in kindergarten. “Keeping a balance – strengthening your back,” however, once again emphasized the importance of mental and physical balance for people Back health.

The motto of this year's Back Health Day once again alludes to the positive side effects that regular exercise, especially in nature, can have: “Fit your back in the fresh air”. According to the “Healthy Back Campaign” A walk, a bike ride, Nordic walking, inline skating, canoeing or a game of golf stimulates your metabolism, lowers your blood pressure, creates the conditions for good sleep and stimulates the production of happiness hormones. Not to mention, of course, the positive effect on the back muscles. As a rule of thumb, it is not the intensity of the movement that is important, but the regularity. In summary, this is an old finding: Anyone who moves in nature and enjoys outdoor sporting activities revitalizes the body and mind - and gets a good mood boost from daylight.

Twice as good: exercise in the fresh air

The focus is on the fact that regular exercise can alleviate or even eliminate existing back problems or create the conditions to prevent them from occurring in the first place. For activities in the air there is an extensive free package for body and mind. A few examples: The production of the sleep hormone melatonin is regulated so that the body and mind can recover at night. Cell, sugar and solid metabolism lower blood pressure and calm the pulse. Light and air literally put you in a good mood: lots of happiness hormones are released.

“Even just a few minutes of physical activity in nature lifts our mood and improves our self-esteem,” says Detlef Detjen from the “Aktion Gesunder Back e.V.” He has examples of back-friendly outdoor activities for which you don't need anything other than a pair of sports or trekking shoes: hiking, walking, running, mountain hiking, swimming, gymnastics, yoga or meditation. If you prefer to be active with equipment, he recommends cycling, Nordic walking, inline skating, volleyball, basketball, badminton, beach ball, climbing, slackline, skiing, sailing, surfing, canoeing, football, tennis, golf or triathlon.

Of course, activities that are difficult to do on a daily basis are also beneficial - especially if they are carried out as a supplement to a regular exercise program: fitness boot camps can expand the catalog of well-known exercises for everyday sports. Functional outdoor training can raise awareness of what is possible with your own body weight and “equipment” such as tree trunks, park benches or railings - and you can simply have sporting fun in playgrounds and adventure areas or climbing parks.

Secure a grant for an ergonomic office chair

Back pain has now become a widespread disease. This is also reflected in the world of work. To do something good for your back, get relief with the right ergonomic office chair.

Under certain conditions, the costs of an office chair can be subsidized. Below we have put together the most important points about applying for funding for you.