It is not always necessity to think about different illnesses and conditions when you have a back pain. Even healthiest individuals can experience this discomforts in everyday life. Check out the list below to see what common practices are also common causes of back pain.
1. Sleeping on an old mattress
A good mattress lasts eight to ten years. If you have not replaced yours within the past decade, chances are that your spine is not getting the support it needs. Replace your old one with mattress with a medium stiffness. Getting a new mattress alone will prevent the curves of your back from sinking too far into the mattress, which in turn, increases support.
2. Carrying a huge bag
If you are someone who likes to carry around your home in your purse or messenger bag, your back won’t be grateful. Carrying a heavy bag on a side of your shoulder causes your body to become imbalanced, getting your spine out of balance too. Switch to a lighter bag: everything in it should weigh no more than ten percent of your body weight.
3. Wearing stilettos or flats
Extremely high heels force you to arch your back, putting stress on your joints. Though, some flats can be bad for you as well, depending on your foot type. Sandals without a supportive back do damage as well, causing your feet to move from side to side, and thus distributing your body weight unevenly. When in doubt, a solid set of sneakers is a great way to go.
4. Holding a grudge
Researchers at one university found that people who practice forgiveness experience fewer feelings of resentment, depression, anger and fewer aches and pains. Your emotions, muscle tension, and thoughts can directly influence the strength of your pain signals. Not only are grudges bad for you physically, they do not do much for your emotional stability, either.
5. Sitting all day
Bad news for all of you with a desk job—it’s bad for your health! Sitting around all day may feel nice, but most do not maintain proper posture while sitting in front of a computer all day. This leads to weakness in back muscles due to inactivity. Sitting also puts 50 percent more pressure on your spine than standing does. If your office does offer a standing desk to help keep your core and back muscles engaged all the time, lean back throughout your day so you are sitting at a 130 degree angle to reduce compression of the discs in the spine. Additionally, be sure your head is straight, not straining forward, when using the computer, as proper screen position can help alleviate pain in the neck and shoulders.
6. Stressing out
If you are stressed out emotionally, the same stress applies to the muscles in your neck and back, causing them to contract and clench up. If you maintain a stressful lifestyle, those muscles do not get a chance to relax, and in turn cause pain. There are a lot of proven ways to lower your stress levels, such as exercise and meditation.
7. Skipping workouts
Exercise builds muscle tone that is vital for supporting your back. When you do not get enough of it, you experience stiffness, weakened muscles, and your spinal discs become degenerated. Workouts that strengthen the back and abdomen are a great way to combat any stiffness you may experience.
8. Eating too much junk food
Not surprisingly, an intake of high caloric and low nutrient food leads to weight gain, and weight gain can put a load on your back. Specifically, excess weight around the midsection causes the pelvis to pull forward, leading to stress for the back. Overweight individuals are at an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Dropping even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can improve your back condition.
Source: thetrentonline.com; February 3, 2014.
