Tips to Avoid Back Pain
Back pain is a common condition with most people experiencing it at least once in their lives. It can happen at any time, at any age and the pain can prevent you from enjoying your day.
Back pain can be brought on by many different causes, spanning from the purse you carry to your desk at work. The good news is you can help reduce or eliminate back issues by being mindful of the causes and taking the right precautions to avoid them. Below are a few unexpected causes of back pain, ones that you might have overlooked before.
Improper arch support
The root of back problems often starts with your feet. If they’re not able to properly balance your weight that pressure will shift up your ankles and legs until it eventually settles in your back. A shoe’s sole should always complement the shape of the foot the person that is wearing them.
If you have a healthy arch, you might be able to get away with that set of heels, but that fashion choice might be short lived. Modern heels put a lot of pressure on your feet, which can lead to more serious conditions.
Instead, it’s a better idea to get a pair of stylish orthotic women’s shoes. These are designed with your foot’s alignment in mind, so they’ll take the pressure off your back and arches. Proper foot alignment also makes it easier to correct your posture.
Bad posture
One of the most overlooked causes of back pain is posture. It’s not uncommon for a person’s natural stance to involve leaning on one side and shifting all of the body’s weight to that leg. This can be extremely detrimental to the spinal cord.
Proper stance should involve straight knees, equal distribution of weight between both hips, keeping the chin parallel to the ground, shoulders pushed back and your feet should be directly below your chest. While this may require you consciously adjust how you stand at first, it will quickly become second nature.
Wearing the wrong bra
Owning a good bra can have many benefits. Not only can it boost a woman’s confidence and make clothing look more appealing, it can also help promote a healthy back. Carrying around extra weight in the front due to large breasts without the proper support can do a number on a woman’s spine.
To alleviate some of the extra weight, it is important to pick a supportive bra that holds the weight closer to your body and take the pressure off your back. When a bra fits well, women are able to walk straighter, maintain a good posture and eliminate future back pain.
Poor sleeping habits
While having back pain can make it difficult to receive a good night’s sleep, did you know that the way you sleep can actually be part of the problem? Much like how slouching while standing or sitting is bad for your spine, sleeping in a curled position throughout the span of your slumber is also extremely harmful.
To help take the load off your back and prevent pain when you wake up, it’s a good idea to make a few simple modifications to help promote proper alignment. If you sleep on your back, it helps to put a pillow under your knees giving your spine the natural curve it needs. If you are a stomach sleeper, put a pillow under your lower abdomen and pelvis to take some strain off the back. Those that sleep on their side can draw their legs in toward the chest and place a pillow between the knees.
Be proactive
It is said that the average American will experience back pain at least once in their life. Issues with the back cannot only be painful and annoying, it can also become expensive with regular trips to the doctor, prescriptions drugs and surgeries.
By taking the time to correct your posture and habits now, you’ll help reduce any future pain. These new habits could also potentially save you thousands in medical costs. Don’t wait until you have to see the doctor to fix the issue, when you can take care of it today. With just a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can avoid potentially years of pain. Why not start today?
Article by Joanna Giouros
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.