If you are someone who routinely suffers from bouts of back pain, you may be of the mindset that there must be a particular reason for this issue. This may be very well the case if you have already been diagnosed with herniated discs or lumbar stenosis. However, many people suffer from back pain due to activities that they perform on a daily basis. Beverly Hills spine surgeons highlight seven factors that add to back pain.
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1. Sleeping Position
When we go to bed, most of us are not thinking about what position our bodies are going to be in as we sleep. Oftentimes, we fall asleep with the television on. This means we are more than likely propped up in bed, in a less than optimal position for sleep. Falling asleep in this awkward position allows for the head to roll to one side, while the spine bends to the opposite side. Upon awakening, there is difficulty in trying to get the spinal column to align properly. Turning off the television and positioning your body comfortably will allow for a more restful night of sleep and will potentially prevent unwanted pain and medical interventions down the line.
2. Sitting Incorrectly
Many people who have jobs that require them to sit for extended periods of time. Sitting in a position in which the back is bending forward and the shoulders are hunched upward or forward will lead to back discomfort. Remembering to sit correctly with both feet planted on the floor, keeping the body in an upright position, and keeping the shoulders pulled back and away from the ears will go a long way in helping to alleviate and avoid back pain. It is also worthwhile to shop around for ergonomic chairs and accessories as these are valuable tools that will assist with proper posture while seated.
3. Poor Standing Posture
Just as sitting improperly can add to back pain, so does standing incorrectly. Most people do not realize that they are not standing correctly. Standing with the head and shoulders rolled forward, shoulders slouched to the front, chest rolled inward, and the stomach and pelvis pushed forward causes stress and strain on the back muscles. In order to avoid back pain from poor standing posture, stand with the body erect and hold the head up. Keep the shoulders back and away from the ears. This will keep the spine in proper alignment. An added benefit to standing correctly is that it makes the body appear slimmer.
4. Improper Footwear
Wearing the wrong size or ill-fitting shoes not only causes painful feet and unsightly corns and calluses, this daily habit also wreaks havoc on the back. Everything in the body is connected in some way. When the nerves and joints in the feet are negatively impacted by wearing the wrong shoes, those same painful nerves that are connected with the nerves in the spine will cause pain in the nerves of the back. While most people purchase shoes based on aesthetics, it is more important to look for shoes that offer proper arch support and cushioning. With some well known companies , it is possible to find shoes that are not only attractive, but more importantly comfortable and supportive.
5. Exercising
Exercise is important. However, exercises that are performed incorrectly will not only not yield the desired results, they will cause unnecessary back pain. Before starting any type of exercise, it is important to make sure that it is being performed correctly. No exercise should ever be performed with the back rounded or extremely arched. Being clear about why a particular exercise is being performed and learning the correct way to stand or move when doing that exercise will go a very long way in preserving back health.
6. Incorrect Lifting
People whose job requires them to lift objects or people are at an increased risk of developing back issues. When lifting objects or people, it is imperative to employ proper body mechanics. Bending from the back repeatedly guarantees back pain. It is important to bend the knees and hips when retrieving an object or person. Hold the item that is being lifted close to the body and then return to a standing position. Never lift heavy objects over the shoulders and do not turn or twist while holding heavy items.
7. Not enough mobility
While many may believe that extended periods of immobility will lessen the likelihood of back pain, the opposite is true. Being sedentary will lead to back discomfort and pain. Keeping the spine supple by engaging in enjoyable activities such as swimming, yoga, dancing or even simply going for a walk, goes a long way in alleviating pain. An easy way to relate to this concept is to imagine the stiff feeling one gets when being inactive for extended periods. That stiffness and discomfort is typically immediately relieved when the body is gently but effectively mobilized in physical activity.
Drinking Carbonated and Sugary Fluids
It is important to drink water. Many people drink sodas and sugary drinks throughout the day. Drinking carbonated, sugary drinks places stress on the kidneys, which are located in the back. When the kidneys are overtaxed with attempting to filter and flush additives, it causes back pain. Drinking pure, clean water satisfies thirst, maintains proper hydration, and keeps the kidneys functioning in a proper, unobstructed manner.
Beverly Hills Spine Surgeons help patients find relief from chronic back pain by using the perfect method of treatment whether surgical or non surgical.
