Many people suffer from back pain and stiffness every day. Even though there are many products and medications that can bring about relief, and even though there are a lot of exercises and activities that can also aid in the reduction of the pain and stiffness that you feel every day, it’s important to understand what the main causes are behind your ailments.
Continue reading for more information on what’s causing your back pain so you can better understand what’s going on in your body.
Back Pain Cuased by Work Environments and Tasks
One of the many causes of low back pain is your work environment, whether you sit at a desk working for hours or you work in a job that requires you to pull or lift heavy objects, as well as twist your spine. This is why it is important to always practice good posture, to take breaks throughout the day and stretch, to use ergonomic chairs, and to use good form when lifting heavy objects. Also check out Spinal Backrack for more information on products that can aid you during the day.
Tense Muscles
Another cause for back pain and stiffness is tense muscles throughout your back. This tension basically ends up restricting the muscles, preventing them from elongating properly. The result is that your range of motion is limited and you end up feeling stiffness that could eventually lead to pain.
Tension in the muscles of your back could be the result of a muscle spasm, an active contraction of a muscle, or postural problems that are causing muscle shortening on a chronic basis. If you can work on relieving the muscle tension, you can regain movement and flexibility while reducing the pain and stiffness.
Carrying a Heavy Bag
Whether you carry a briefcase, backpack, or purse, the additional weight that you carry could have an adverse effect on your back, particularly your low back, where it can cause quite a bit of strain. Anytime you overstuff your bag and carry it over your shoulder, especially if you do this daily, the load will take its toll. Switching to a briefcase with wheels is an ideal alternative that could save your back.
Sciatica
If your sciatic nerve has been injured, you will begin suffering from sciatica, which is a sensation of moderate or severe back pain, leg pain, and even pain within your buttocks. Numbness can accompany the pain because the nerve is affected. This condition is more likely to manifest in individuals from the age of 30 to 50.
Tough Workouts
If you overdo it at the gym, you could cause problems throughout your back as a result of overextended muscles. You increase the risk of problems if you only exercise for hours during the weekend after being sedentary all week.
As you can see, the main causes of back pain and stiffness are varied. Just remember that, if you wish to reduce or eliminate the stiffness and pain that you are experiencing, there are several steps that you can take, from being more active and exercising every day, to using the right furniture and maintaining a good posture.
High Heels
Believe it or not, wearing the wrong kind of shoes or no shoes at all can cause back pain. Wearing high heels throws off your body’s natural alignment and changes your center of gravity, which can put unnecessary stress and strain on your lower back. Don’t throw all your high heel shoes out just yet though. Wearing them occasionally or at least making sure that you don’t walk in them for long distances can lessen the negative effects they can have on your back. If you like to wear high heels to work, don’t put them on until you get in the office. For the walk to and from the car, or while on the subway, wear some sneakers or supportive shoes like Alegria that feature an anatomically correct and patented interlocking footbed system that gives you arch support and the comfort of memory foam and cork. You’ll get a comfortable, perfect fit every time because it naturally forms to the contours of your foot.
