Where does your back pain come from? For many people, their chronic pain is a mystery that only a professional can solve. Unfortunately, your back pain may be caused by a very common action that could be corrected. We all have surprising habits that can aggravate our back pain, but it’s time to learn what we can really do about it.
Taking on too much stress
Have you ever felt those tight shoulder muscles or the stiff neck that signifies a rough day at the office? Stress can definitely contribute to extra tension buildup in the muscles, causing you more back and neck pain. In order to get rid of this pain, you need to find coping skills that help you to relax:
- Take a long walk through the neighborhood.
- Enjoy a hot bubble bath.
- Indulge in your favorite treat.
- Go for a run.
According to research by the National Institutes of Health, mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive behavior therapy were both effective ways to treat chronic back pain resulting from stress.
Sleeping on an old mattress
Your mattress is designed to support your body while you slumber. Over time, it becomes less likely to offer the support that you really need. The end result is chronic back pain that is worse in the morning but still lingers throughout the day. On the website NBC News, Consumer Reports recommends replacing your mattress every ten years.
Look for a mattress that feels comfortable to you. The right mattress is different for everyone, so be sure to try a few out before deciding. Look for good support in the position you normally sleep in.
Poor posture
Are you guilty of hunching over your desk to stare at your screen all day long? Your poor posture will eventually catch up to you, resulting in chronic back pain. Years of bad posture will definitely add up to more wear and tear on your bones over the course of your lifetime, according to research by the National Institutes of Health.
The best thing you can do is to remember to sit up nice and tall with your core muscles engaged. Move your computer screen to eye-level so you don’t have to crane your neck down to see. Roll your shoulders back and regularly stretch your spine to avoid pain from this common ailment.
Carrying a large purse
Women are often guilty of stuffing their purses with everything they may need for the day. Lipstick, extra diapers, a book to read on the subway, and other heavy objects find their way into bags. Before you leave the house, you sling the bag over one shoulder and automatically throw your spine off balance. This can result in long-term back pain.
The easy solution is to take a few things out of your bag. Alternatively, you could purchase a smaller bag that would fit fewer items. According to the American Chiropractic Association, your bag should weigh less than ten percent of your body weight.
Surprising back pain
We are often surprised to discover that the small things we do each day can add up to cause us significant back pain. Making small changes can give you some relief from chronic pain. Try to put a few of these surprising tips in action to see how they can help your back pain!
https://betterhealthalaska.com/chiropractor-anchorage/
Sources:
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/08/getting-it-straight
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/here-s-how-often-you-should-replace-everything-your-bedroom-ncna844686
https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/behavioral-therapy-cost-effective
