Back pain sends more patients to doctors than any condition other than the common cold. There are many possible causes of back pain, which means there are also many noninvasive solutions. It turns out that some seemingly insignificant everyday habits can take a big toll on your back over time. Here are some of the mistakes that may be causing your aches:
You're chained to your desk
Did you know that sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing? On a jam-packed day, regular stretching breaks may not seem like a wise way to spend your time. But skipping these habits may cause your back to suffer. That's because back muscles will weaken if you don't use them; inactive joints lose lubrication and age more quickly.
You have a long commute
Just like at your desk, hunching over a steering wheel can tighten chest muscles and cause your shoulders to round.
You've been ditching the gym
Get moving to alleviate aches and pains and fix back pain faster. New research shows that 40 percent of people become less active after back pain strikes—a strategy that's likely to delay healing or even make their condition worse.
You're Addicted to Crunches
Sit-ups and crunches may actually cause more back pain than they prevent. We hear all the time how a strong core protects your back, which is true. But crunches don't work the abdominal muscles that stabilize your back. In fact, they can contribute to pain by causing core imbalance.
You're not the healthiest eater
Finnish research found that people who suffered from back pain were more likely to have clogged arteries to the spine than healthy control subjects. Healthy circulation brings nutrients to the spine and removes waste. If this doesn't happen, inflammation can result, and inflammatory chemicals in the back can trigger nerves to send pain signals to the brain.
You carry your entire life in your purse
A stuffed-to-the-gills handbag may cause back damage that's comparable to a sports injury! When you tote a heavy bag, your shoulders become imbalanced. Your body elevates the shoulder carrying the bag, which throws your spine off-kilter. Doing this every day can cause back muscles to ache over time.
Your mattress is from another decade
A study at Oklahoma State University found that most people who switched to new bedding after five years slept significantly better and had less back pain.
Your bike isn't adjusted quite right
Do you routinely get a sore back after even a leisurely bike ride? You may need to adjust your equipment. Anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent of bike riders experience some form of back pain. You don't need to give up on this great form of exercise, but you should make sure your bike is properly fitted for you.
You have a thing for high heels
Or even flip-flops. Both lead to foot instability, which can in turn affect your back. High heels force you to arch your back, making your spinal muscles work harder. Backless shoes like sandals cause your feet to move from side to side, which distributes your body weight unevenly and can cause pain.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
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