A bad back can be tough to deal with, especially when it prevents you from going about your daily routine. In fact, eight out of ten Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. We all know that bad posture and lifting objects at the wrong angle can damage our backs, but there are other, less well-known factors than can cause you similar pain.
Diet
Too much of the wrong types of food leads to weight gain, which, along with its own array of negative health effects, puts a strain on your spine. If your spine is struggling to support your weight, it stands to reason that you will feel pain and unease. Commit to regular exercise, reduce your junk and processed food intake and increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat.
Smoking
It’s common knowledge that smoking is terrible for your health, but if you’re still doing it, and suffering from backache too, then you really should think about giving up this nasty habit. As you smoke, your body loses oxygen, preventing the cells that control motion from doing their job properly. If that doesn’t sound bad enough, smoking has also been shown to decrease blood supply to the spine and its discs causing them to age quicker than normal, which can cause chronic back pain.
Your cell phone
If you’re always chatting away on your cell, it might be time to invest in some earphones. If you often find yourself using your shoulder to balance your cell you’ll probably start to feel pain in your neck, and it won’t be long before this impacts your back. If you like to text, then bear in mind the position you have your neck in as you look at the screen; constantly craning downwards will put stress on your neck, and it can be very painful indeed.
Stress
Unfortunately stress is not only very unpleasant by itself, it can also cause a lot of muscle tension in the body, leading to back pain. If you’re someone who feels stressed frequently, try and take time out to relax and think about incorporating yoga or meditation into your weekly routine.
Old shoes
We all love a comfy pair of shoes, but if yours are worn out or the heels uneven, it’s time to invest in a new pair of loafers. Old shoes can affect how you walk, which can lead to back pain, plus foot pain too!
If your back is causing you discomfort, then don’t forget to book your next chiropractic appointment and give your back some well-deserved TLC.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Susan Knight-Nanni