Back pain is the most common cause of disability worldwide and can affect anyone at any time throughout their life. It’s important to understand the underlying causes of back pain, as some injuries are treatable and even reversible, while others must be managed to prevent long-term damage or complications. Here are the top five reasons for back pain, along with some easy tips for avoiding them in your everyday routine and recovering from back pain when it does strike.
Incorrect Workout Techniques
Exercises that are not performed correctly are often the cause of back pain. Incorrect techniques can lead to muscle strain, fatigue, and injury. The popularity of weightlifting for strength and weight loss is constantly growing. If you are new to strength training, it is important to learn the right techniques. Indeed, the spine is an incredibly intricate structure made up of a multitude of bones, ligaments, nerves, discs, muscles, and other tissues. If you attempt a back squat or a deadlift without learning the technique first, you could potentially injure the muscles and discs in your spine. Spine injuries don’t have to be severe to jeopardize your health in the long term.
Poor Posture at Desk
Poor posture can lead to back pain as well as neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, knee pain, and more. Numerous studies have shown that sitting for too long causes muscles in the hips and low back to shorten, which can lead to lower back problems later on.
Besides, when you sit for prolonged periods of time, this can put you at risk of spinal problems like degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, or herniated discs. It is important to pay close attention to your posture. You can adjust the desk and chair heights to protect your back. Finally, take a break from a desk every couple of hours to stretch and walk.
Low back and Bladder Connection
Are you familiar with painful bladder syndrome? Interstitial cystitis, the medical term for the condition, is an unpleasant urinary tract infection that is caused by cells inside your bladder wearing down. What you may not realize, however, is that the condition can sometimes be connected to low back pain. If you experience painful bladder syndrome with no clear cause, it could be worth getting your low back checked, as sciatica can increase the risks of developing the condition.
Shoulder or Purse Bag
If you carry a shoulder bag, you could inadvertently expose yourself to back pain. Indeed, a shoulder bag pulls your posture out of alignment. Your back naturally bends towards the side where you carry the bag. It could lead to mild to severe scoliosis in the long term. So, for day-to-day errands, switch to a rucksack.
A Mattress with Inadequate Support
How long have you had your current mattress? If the answer is more than 8 years, it may be time to change it. Indeed, mattresses lose firmness over time, which means your old mattress may not be supporting your body anymore. If you wake up with back pain, the lack of reliable support could be the reason for it!
In conclusion, back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from your workout techniques to your day-to-day shoulder bag. Hopefully, these few tips can help you seek the help you need to recover.
