When back pain rears its ugly head, it can be hard to continue about your normal day. People everywhere, at every age, suffer from back pain, and without knowing the causes, it can be hard to find relief. No matter what your profession is, your age, or your activity level, you're probably doing something that can cause back pain without knowing. Let's talk through some of the potential causes so you can evaluate changes you need to make to your daily to get to feeling better.
Bad Posture
No matter how annoying it was as a kid to be told to sit up straight, or how comfy it can be to lay slouched on the couch, bad posture is one of the most common causes of back pain today. Bad posture makes the muscles between your shoulder blades weak and your chest muscles tight, further encouraging bad posture. As you sit in a chair, try to make sure your shoulders are straight and relaxed. Let your body be supported by the back of the chair, and keep your feet flat on the floor.
Poor Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your back actually puts more pressure on your spine. To help this, make sure your legs are slightly elevated. Use a towel or a pillow under your knees to help relieve the pressure on your spine. Make sure your mattress and pillow are providing the correct support, as well. If you're using too many pillows or sleeping in a position that arches your back, that could be another culprit of your back pain.
A Weak Core
All of your muscles in your body are connected, which means often pain in one area can be caused by an issue in another area. If you havea weak core, your back is having to do the entirety of the work to support your body when standing. Think about incorporating some exercise into your routine that will work your core and back at least two times a week.
Remaining in the Same Position for too Long
No matter what it is - working at your desk, driving in the car, or standing in long lines, often staying in the same position for too long can make your muscles tighten and cause pain. If you work at a desk for long periods of time, make sure you get up at least every hour to do small stretches or go for a short walk. If you're driving long periods of time, make sure you're putting pressure on different arms, or put a towel between your lower back and the seat to support your lumbar area better.
If you're finding that your back pain just isn't subsiding, it might be the cause of a medical-related condition, or something built up over time. Speak with your doctor about visiting FYZICAL to get a better idea of what might be causing your individual pain, and get an individualized plan of care to get you back to feeling like yourself again. Give us a call at 229.273.9445 to start the journey to freedom from back pain today.