Back pain is a prevalent cause of pain and discomfort among patients today. While back pain may stem from an injury or condition that is often caused or worsened by lifestyle habits.
Things that you do every day may be contributing to your back pain. This means that you have the power to reduce your pain just by making small changes to your daily routine. By kicking the habits listed below, you’ll lessen the strain on your back for long-lasting back pain relief.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the biggest culprits of back pain. When you slouch or sit hunched over, you’re keeping your spine out of alignment. This can put pressure on the tissues around the vertebrae, leading to back pain. So by improving your posture, you’ll also improve the alignment of your spine and relieve strain on the surrounding nerves, muscles, and soft tissues.
Sitting for Extended Periods
While sitting up straight is better for your spine than sitting hunched over, sitting down for too long during the day places stress on the spine. Make sure to take frequent breaks from sitting down by regularly standing up, stretching, and walking around.
Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of experiencing back pain threefold. This is because smoking speeds up the breaking down of the spinal discs that cushion the vertebrae and weakens the bones. If you smoke and are struggling to quit, talk to your doctor for help.
Lacking Exercise
Exercise helps fend off back pain by improving circulation to the back and keeping the back muscles from getting stiff. The best type of exercise for back pain is low-impact, so opt for activities like swimming, biking, and walking.
Sleeping in the Wrong Position
The position that you sleep in at night can make a sizable impact on the health of your spine. Sleeping on the back can strain the spine, but if it’s your preferred position, try elevating your legs by placing a pillow under your knees. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees is a preferable position to avoid back pain.
If you’re struggling with back pain, reach out to us at Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery for help from our trained medical team.