Do you ever wake up with a stiff back? Or maybe you find that your lower back always hurts after sitting at a desk all day. If so, you’re not alone. In fact, lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults. The good news is that there are things you can do to ease your back pain and prevent it from coming back. Here are five common reasons for back pain, and how you can mitigate these issues moving forward.
1. Poor posture
If you find that you’re always hunching over your computer or phone, it’s no wonder your back is sore! Try to sit up straight and pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Additionally, make sure your workstation is ergonomic and set up properly. This will help reduce the strain on your back and neck.
2. Not wearing supportive shoes
Did you know that the shoes you wear can affect your back? If you’re constantly wearing high heels or flats, this can put extra strain on your lower back and cause pain. Instead, try to wear comfortable, supportive ergonomic footwear with good arch support. This will take some of the pressure off your back and help prevent pain.
3. Weak core muscles
Believe it or not, having strong core muscles is important for preventing back pain. That’s because weak core muscles can cause irregular movement in the spine, which can lead to pain. To strengthen your core, try doing some simple exercises like sit-ups or crunches every day. You can also take yoga or Pilates classes, which focus on strengthening the core muscles.
4. Carrying too much weight
If you’re carrying around extra weight, this can put added strain on your lower back and cause pain. To ease the pressure on your back, try to lose any excess weight through diet and exercise. This will help reduce the risk of developing lower back pain – or experiencing relief from existing pain.
5. Sleeping in an awkward position
Believe it or not, even the way you sleep can affect your back! If you sleep in an awkward position – such as on your stomach – this can put unnecessary strain on your spine and lead to back pain when you wake up in the morning. Instead, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs for added support. This will help align your spine and ease any existing pain in your lower back.
Try incorporating these tips into your routine today
If you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain, chances are one (or more) of these five issues is to blame. By making some simple lifestyle changes (such as paying attention to posture and investing in comfortable shoes), you can help ease your discomfort and prevent future pain. And if you’re carrying extra weight or have weak core muscles, working on these issues can also lead to significant relief from chronic lower back pain over time!
