Back pain can be triggered by a number of things including a car accident, sports injuries, and lifting heavy objects every day. But have you ever considered things you do on a regular basis that increase your back pain? Do you ever wonder how your back pain begins? Read a few of the surprising reasons you’re in pain. A few simple changes in your daily life can create a big impact on pain.
Pain Trigger: Your Wallet
Your wallet can be a real pain in the back and the buttocks, and it can even lead to shooting pains down one leg. Tucked in a back pocket, it may lead to compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve day after day. A fat wallet may also put the spine slightly out of alignment, causing muscle tension. Solution: Remove your wallet before sitting, especially in the car.
Pain Trigger: Active Video Games
Video games that simulate the motions of popular sports can result in real sports injuries. Doctors say overzealous gaming can cause everything from sprains to torn ligaments and broken bones. Solution: Do some stretching before starting an active video game. Make sure you have plenty of space around you, so you won’t trip or crash into anything. And don’t play for longer than you would a real sport.
Pain Trigger: Couch Potato Syndrome
Even down time can be a source of aches and pains. Do you often lie across the couch with your head turned toward the television? You’re setting yourself up for a sore neck — especially if you fall asleep in that position. Solution: Maintain good posture even when you’re relaxing. Sit up straight on your couch and make sure your TV is not positioned too high.
Pain Trigger: Sleep Habits
If you wake up sore most mornings, take a good look at your sleep posture. Stomach sleepers may twist their necks to the point of hyperextension. Other people sleep on their sides with one arm overhead. After many hours, this position can strain the shoulder. Solution: Better ways to sleep are on your back or on your side with your arms below shoulder level. Side sleepers can place a pillow between the knees to support the lower back. Back sleepers can put a pillow under the neck and beneath their knees.
Pain Trigger: Laptop Case
If you carry your laptop around like an extra limb, you’re likely to strain some part of the body. Handheld laptop cases put stress on the forearm and can actually give you tennis elbow, says Westerdahl. Bags that you wear over one shoulder can contribute to back and shoulder pain. Solution: Try a rolling laptop case or consider switching to a lighter model.
Pain Trigger: Shoulder Rides
It’s classic family fun: A parent walking along with a delighted child enjoying a shoulder ride. But lifting kids overhead is a common source of neck and shoulder pain. Solution: Instead of lifting your child from the ground, sit on a couch or bench. Encourage your child to climb carefully onto your shoulders.
When to See the Doctor About Pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you have: chest pain, a severe headache and/or stiff neck, pain related to an injury, pain accompanied by weakness or numbness.
Any chronic pain should also be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it interferes with work, hobbies or sleep.
Source: www.webmd.com; Louise Chang, MD; August 02, 2011
