When most people think of back pain they think of injuries caused by slipping on ice or car accidents. However, there are an infinite number of reasons you might be developing back pain. Try not to assume your back pain is a result of old age. There are many everyday habits that cause back pain, which you can change today!
1) An Unhealthy Diet
One of the quickest habits you change if you want to get rid of back pain is to stay healthy and not become overweight. As tempting as it may be to grab a quick bite to eat at the drive through, you should resist temptation. If you are a frequent fast food eater you can expect to gain weight, which can lead to back pain and other joint pains such as knee pain and ankle pain.
2) Not Exercising Regularly
Just like the convenient drive through it’s also tempting to lounge around your home during the cold winter months. It gets dark early and who wants to go out in the cold? Going to the gym and committing to a consistent workout regime can keep your back feeling great. Also you’ll lose weight along the way, which is another way to reduce back pain.
3) Poor Posture
According to everydayhealth.com ,“Poor posture also factors among back pain causes. Your ears should be over your shoulders, your shoulders over your hip joints, and your hips over your ankles”
Do your best not to constantly lean your head forward if you like to walk and text. Leaning your head causes poor posture, which pulls on your back, and causes back pain.
4) Sitting Too Long
Sitting in the same office chair or driving for extended periods of time is not a healthy decision. People were made to move around and sitting every chance you get actually puts pressure on your spine, which can lead to back pain. If you do a lot of sitting or driving do your best to get off the chair, walk around, stretch and take the pressure off of your back.
5) Unhealthy Footwear
It’s pretty obvious that wearing flip-flops or six inch heals isn’t the best for your back. Some people have to wear a particular style of shoe for their career or job and a lot of the time the shoes aren’t the most comfortable or the best for your back. Wearing the proper footwear not only prevents back pain but also prevents pain in your feet. Talk to your foot and ankle doctor and find the right pair of shoe that fits you best.
6) Sleeping
They say you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping. That’s why it’s easy to assume that where you sleep and especially what you sleep on has a lot to do with your health. Just like a good pair of shoes with proper support, a good mattress or not sleeping on the couch will help prevent pack pain. If you are experiencing back pain and you are spending 1/3 of your day on a cheap mattress maybe it’s time to take a look at your sleeping arrangements.
7) Carrying too Much
Anytime you have to carry a heavy book bag or lug a huge purse around you are putting yourself at risk of developing back pain. Perhaps you can’t live without carrying a backpack but perhaps you can live without all of the stuff that’s in the backpack. Carrying heavy objects puts additional pressure on your back. This can eventually lead to back pain.
8) Carrying a Huge Wallet
A lot of people love carrying their wallet around. However, it’s safe to say no one loves back pain. Carrying a wallet, especially a huge wallet, is leading cause of Sciatica and a factor of back pain. If you must carry a wallet, like most people, then perhaps you can do without the 15 punch cards that expired. Maybe you don’t need to keep the 12 rewards cards that you never use. Just making your wallet thinner can go a long way at preventing back pain.
9) Negative Emotions
Are you feeling extra blue lately? Being down in the dumps and living with stress and depression can take a huge toll on your physical health as well as your mental health. Studies show that people who are experiencing joint pain, especially back pain are more likely to be depressed. If you’re feeling down, join a local gym, get the endorphins pumping and burn some calories. You’ll be on your way to not feeling depressed and your back might feel better!
10) Weak Core
Most people think of fake 6-pack powders and a guy on the cover of fitness magazine when they think of the word “core”. However, ignoring your core workouts can do a lot for helping to prevent back pain. Your core supports many movements in the body and making sure you have a strong core can work wonders for reducing back pain.
Referencess
Marie Suszynski (1/17/2014) | 10 Surprising Back Pain Causes 10 Surprising Back Pain Causes | Message posted to http://www.everydayhealth.com/back-pain-pictures/10-surprising-back-pain-causes.aspx#04
