Back pain is the single leading cause of disability around the world, preventing people from engaging in daily activities. It’s also the most common reason for work absenteeism, accounting for 264 million lost workdays each year.
The back is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. This makes it susceptible to sprains, strains, ruptured discs, inflamed muscles, and irritated joints, all of which cause back pain.
Several daily activities can also contribute to a bad back. These include:
Sitting At Your Desk For Too Long:
People who sit in front of a computer or at a desk for work often complain about back pain. Sitting in the same position for too long with improper back support leads to strained muscles in your back, along with mild to severe pain. Avoid this by making sure that your elbows are at a 90° angle from your torso, and that you don’t crane your neck up or down to look at the computer screen.
Driving:
If you drive for more than an hour each day or have a job that has you sitting in a car for long hours, you may have back pain caused by bad driving posture. Many drivers hunch forward while driving, which causes strain on the lower back. Make sure your seat can support your back and be sure to sit up straight with your back flat against the seat to alleviate this.
Wrong Shoes:
Wearing the wrong shoes is often the cause of back pain in women. High heel shoes cause issues for women because they change the way a person walks. Although fashionable, high heels shift pressure to the toes rather than the heels, which, puts pressure on the lower back. Women who wear heels should switch to flats if they experience back pain.
Sleeping Position:
A poor sleeping position can lead to back pain, especially among people who sleep on their stomachs. In this position, the spine can’t maintain its proper curvature, so it can cause stiffness and soreness. Medical practitioners recommend sleeping on your back or placing a pillow under the abdominal area when sleeping on the stomach to support the spine.
Taking the Stairs
Taking the stairs every once in a while is great for general health and stamina, but it should be done in moderation. Taking the stairs, especially when going down, places a lot of stress and impact on the back as well as the knees. Make sure you rely on the elevator from time to time, and if you are taking the stairs, do so slowly to avoid straining your back.
Get In Touch With the Spinal Experts
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic back pain that’s preventing you from engaging fully in daily activities, call Dr. West at this spine and surgery center Houston, We are a premier neck and back pain medical specialty practice that deals with a variety of spinal pains and symptoms. We offer the latest least invasive options to relieve painful conditions such as sciatica, shoulder pain, herniated discs, and neck and back problems. Call us today at 832.522.8500 to learn more about the treatments available in this neurosurgical spine center Houston.