Goodbye, back pain!

We love getting out and about in summer, but back pain can take us out of the action. In fact, findings in Pain Medicine reveal backaches prevent more than half of sufferers from enjoying hobbies and social activities. And women over 40 are at added risk, says Ken Hansraj, M.D., author of Watch Your Back. “Dwindling estrogen levels as women age lead to the degeneration of spinal discs, which can irritate nerve roots, causing pain,” he notes. Luckily, help is here!

- Melissa Gotthardt

Sip a superpowered smoothie

Feeding your back foods that fight inflammation helps reduce aches, notes Dr. Hansraj, who recommends adding blueberries and chia seeds to smoothies. "Blueberries and chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants that help protect spinal discs," he explains. "And blueberries contain quercetin, an antioxidant that has strong anti-inflammatory benefits." Plus, chia seeds are packed with plant-based protein. That's key since a study in the Nutrition Journal suggests protein boosts muscle strength to protect against back pain.

'Wrap' your back