Surprising causes of Back Pain
Your diet – The more weight we put on, the more stress we put on the back.
Not exercising – Exercise helps strengthen muscles and ligaments which help support the spine. It also helps keep weight off by burning more calories.
Slouching – You can refer to our ergonomics articles for more details on this, but studies have shown that slouching can increase stress on your back by up to 25%.
Your chair – Don’t skimp on a cheap chair or one that is ill suited for the tasks you are doing. Make sure you get the right chair for what you are doing, your back will appreciate it.
Your shoes – Ask an architect if they would put a structure up on a poor foundation! So many people wear shoes far beyond their ability to provide proper support. If they are worn, replace them.
Your mattress – Don’t wait for the springs to poke you. If the mattress is over 10 years old and you have back pain, consider getting a new mattress.
Your car – Many people spend a few hours a day in their vehicle. Making sure the seat is adjusted for you is important to making it a comfortable driving experience. Consider your seat when buying the next car if you spend a lot of time on the road.
Your shoulder bag – This could be a purse, carrying case, or laptop bag. Most people place the bag over the same shoulder every time which can lead to back pain. Either get into a habit of swapping shoulders, lighten the bag by getting rid of un-necessary items, or get a backpack to evenly distribute the weight.
Smoking – A smoker is twice as likely to develop back pain as a non-smoker. Smoking weaken joints and tissues which can lead to an injury