Back pain affects more than 1 in 10 people worldwide, these are some of the causes of back pain that may surprise you.
From your neck to your coccyx, the spine is a strong flexible structure that holds your body up and protects our spinal cord. Back pain affects more than 1 in 10 people worldwide. When we think about aches and pains, we often picture injuries, slips and falls, or repetitive overuse. However, there are many other surprising causes of spinal pain. Knowing what these are may help you pinpoint the cause of your back pain and help you explore ways to fix it.
- Your office chair. Sitting in an office chair for extended periods of time can definitely cause back pain or worsen an existing back problem. The main reason behind this is that sitting in general, is a static posture that increases stress in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, and in particular, can add large amounts of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs. With most of you working from home, at make-shift offices ala-dining room table, it is a good idea to invest in a good chair. Because if your office chair is not supportive and you don’t get up and move every 30 minutes to an hour, it may only be a matter of time before your back starts to feel the effects.
- Lack of exercise. Exercise helps you build the muscle you need to properly support your back. Try to incorporate cardio and strength training exercises into your routine a few days a week, focusing on core and functional movements for a stronger more supportive spine.
- Your phone. Using your shoulder to hold your cell phone against your ear can cause strain on your neck, which can also refer to the upper back. Headphones are a simple way to get around this and allow you to keep a better posture when on long phone calls. Be mindful of texting/scrolling, too, as bending your neck to look down at your phone can result in the same type of issues.
- Mattress. Spending too much time in any one position can cause back pain. Now think about how much time you spend in bed. If your mattress is old, you sink into it when you lie down, or it’s just not supporting you in a way that’s comfortable (and this is different for everyone), it may be time to replace it. While comfort levels vary by person, lean toward the firmer, more supportive side if you’re dealing with back pain.
- Smoking. We all know that smoking increases the risks for cancer, lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, and depression, but, did you know that it also damages the spine, contributes to disc disease and osteoporosis. If you were looking for more reasons to stop smoking, this is it.
Chiropractic care for back pain
If you’re dealing with back pain, it may be time to come in for a visit. Dr Chantel can determine the cause of your pain and you may find relief with adjustments and soft tissue therapies. We would love to help you feel great again.
Posted in Chiropractic