Bad back? More likely, you just have bad habits.

Back problems - specifically lower back pain - can have a big impact on your life. Ever wish that you didn’t have to feel the gardening of the day before? Or does hours in the traffic make it difficult to walk, stand or even lie down? Back pain sends more patients to doctors than any other condition, other than the common cold. 56% of people with lower back aches complain that symptoms disrupt their daily lives. Talk about a pain in the…back!

Here are some of the top mistakes that may be causing your back ache:

You’re chained to your desk

Did you know that sitting down puts 40% more pressure on your spine than standing? Good posture is probably the last thing on your mind when you're on a deadline. Regular stretching breaks may not seem a wise way to spend your time, but skipping this habit may cause your back to suffer. Sitting behind a desk all day will cause back muscles to weaken, inactive joints lose lubrication and age prematurely. So, lean back every now and then, make sure that your office chair supports your spine and walk around every half hour.

You have a long commute

Hunching over a steering wheel can tighten your chest muscles and cause your shoulders to round. Sit close to the steering wheel at a 90 degree angle so that you don’t have to stretch.

You have been skipping gym sessions

40% of people become less active after back pain strikes, but this strategy will make the condition worse. Doing exercise, particularly frequent walks and swimming, will alleviate aches faster. Exercise will strengthen the core muscles in your back and abdomen and protect the bones and ligaments in your back.

You’re addicted to crunches

Crunches and sit-ups don’t work the abdominal muscles that stabilise your back. You don’t have to ditch them entirely, but do them slowly and use proper form. Use them as part of your core work out.

You don’t have a healthy diet

Being overweight puts unnecessary strain on your back. To get back into shape, get active and follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

You smoke

Did you know that smoking can affect the health of your back? Smoke and nicotine will cause your spine to age prematurely.

You carry your entire life in your purse

A stuffed-to-the-gills handbag may cause back damage that's comparable to a sports injury. Make sure that your bag, when fully loaded, does not exceed 10% of your body weight.

You have too much stress

Chronic or acute stress can directly trigger back pain. Make an effort to channel stress into something more positive. Take regular walks outdoors, be mindful.

You don’t do yoga

Research done at the University of Washington suggests that yoga eases back upper and lower back pain faster than conventional exercise. Yoga promotes breathing and relaxation as well as stretching and strength. Yoga may help with both emotional and structural triggers of back pain. Be sure to notify the instructor of pain so that moves can be modified.

Almost everyone suffers from back ache at some time or another. Take care of your back by changing bad habits into good ones.

The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.

Source: www.mednyu.edu, www.active.com, www.menshealth.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.