The Top 6 Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to Back Pain
It happens to the best of us when you make a minor alteration in your lifestyle and you notice your back is a little sore.
Perhaps you recently changed your sleeping arrangements or purchased a new desk chair, which should not cause concern at first. Then, a few days or weeks later, you have sudden back pain.
Before resorting to more severe treatments such as medication or surgery, investigate the probable lifestyle variables that may be contributing to or perhaps causing your back pain. Thankfully, a simple and easy alteration may be all that is required to significantly enhance the way you live.
By identifying and tackling the following root causes to back pain issues, one may enhance one’s daily quality of life by taking the necessary precautions and actions.
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The different possible causes are:
A Suitable Sleeping Position
The position of your body when sleeping may have an adverse influence on your back and neck. Ideally, you want your body to be in alignment, which means that your bones and joints should be placed in such a way that they can work without damage.
If you lie on your stomach, for example, you are effectively putting pressure on your spine, which causes back problems.
If you are able, altering your sleeping position each night can be beneficial to your physical health by preventing undue strain on your neck and back as you sleep.
Correct Posture At Work
If you work at a desk job, your work environment is most certainly a primary source of back pain. Maintaining appropriate posture when sitting at your workplace is always vital; to do so, prevent slouching your shoulders and back when in front of your computer. You are injuring your spine and back muscles by hunching your body.
Sitting at your desk for an extended period can potentially cause neck and back strain. It is a good idea to take a stroll throughout the day if you are fit and able to and your employment permits you to. As you return to your work, your body will be more relaxed.
Change the Way You Carry Things
Carrying your backpack or laptop bag on one side of your body all the time might throw your spine out of alignment.
Wearing a hefty backpack can cause back pain and muscular stress since you are more inclined to slouch. Consider purchasing a rolling backpack if you need to transport bulky objects. Alternatively, you can tighten your shoulder straps or ensure that your backpack is properly adjusted.
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Reducing One’s Sugar Intake
Did you realize that your food could be to blame for your back pain? According to Medical News Today, excessive sugar consumption might cause the body to release more pain hormones known as cytokines (which can cause or worsen joint inflammation). For some, this may manifest as severe knee pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Others may see an upsurge in back pain as a result.
If you have unexplained back pain, you should monitor your nutrient intake and possibly minimize your sugar consumption.
Strengthening Core Muscles and Addressing PTSD
Back strains and other problems can be caused by weak core muscles. Having strong core muscles would thus help to stabilize your back. Yoga and weight training are excellent strategies to develop your core muscles.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to chronic back pain in studies, and resolving PTSD through therapy may help with back pain. PTSD alters the way our nervous system works, resulting in chronic muscle tension, stooped posture, and poor sleep.
These are all attempts by your body to protect you when you are threatened, which is at the heart of PTSD. Sadly, if the mental health problem is not treated, all of these PTSD symptoms contribute to the development of back pain.
Avoiding Over Exertion
Day-to-day activities might cause us to exert or overstrain our bodies, resulting in back pain. Perhaps you had to move or raise an exceptionally big item, or you had to carry your children on a long walk.
Although exercise and staying active are beneficial to our general health, certain sports or outdoor activities can cause back strains, especially if done incorrectly. If you have access to one, you must consult your coach or trainer about good form when working out to avoid injury.
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Conclusion
Most medical clinics recommend seeing a doctor if your back pain does not go away in one or two weeks, or if it is painful and severe. If you suspect that your problem is due to overexertion or weak core muscles, you should request a recommendation from a physical therapist who would also work with you to improve your back and/or core.
Back discomfort can be a slight irritation at best, and a devastating ailment that drastically limits your range of motion at worst. By investigating the different causes of back pain, you may determine what types of lifestyle changes might alleviate your agony and prevent additional frustration.
