Back pain is a huge problem and there are many reasons it might be hurting. Common ones are osteoarthritis, spinal irregularities, osteoporosis, herniated discs, or pulled muscles. But some sneaky things might be causing your pain.
Those Cute Shoes
Check your soles. The super-thin ballet type flats don’t absorb any shock as you walk. After a long day, that shock can hurt the discs in your back. High heels can throw off the alignment of your back, adding stress to it.
Picking Up Kids
Carrying around a child can add many pounds at awkward angles. The muscles tighten as your body tries to keep itself straight even though there are many extra pounds on one hip. Make sure you switch hips periodically to try to keep things more balanced.
Phones and Other Devices
Looking down at your phone can cause your neck to hurt. Tilting your head forward and down can put a tremendous strain on your neck.
The human head weighs between 10-12 pounds, and tilting it forward causes double or triple the weight on your neck. That causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to stretch. The greater the angle, the more strain it puts on your neck.
Putting your phone to your ear and supporting it with your shoulder can also cause pain by stretching the spine at a weird angle.
Sitting Still
Staying in the same position all day can put stress on your back. Make sure you get up every so often to allow other muscles to get some work. Also, make sure your desk is ergonomically correct.
Being in a car for a long time can also cause back pain. Driving causes vibrations which can damage the outside area of spinal discs.
Pesky Extra Pounds
Extra weight can increase pressure on your spine, causing pain. The psoas muscle near the spine is the one that supports and stabilizes your back and if you’re out of shape, it cannot do its job. Also, belly fat can pull the spine forward, causing pain.
Cigarettes
Nicotine restricts blood flow to the discs around the spine and increases their degeneration. That loss of cushion can cause pain. Also, coughing that typically comes from heavy smoking can cause back pain.
Conclusion
If you’re having back pain, we can help. At Health Star Clinic, we are confident our treatment programs will help you. Contact us today.