Habits That Contribute to Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Often times, we see patients come in with back pain as a result of poor everyday habits. These repeated behaviors add stress to your body and your joints and therefore, create back pain.
Many times, this pain may not show up until these habits have persisted for months or even years. So, whether you’re experiencing back pain now, or want to make steps to prevent aches in the future, avoid these habits.
Having Poor Posture
Poor posture is a common habit that almost everyone struggles with. As smartphones, computers, and iPads continue to absorb much of our time, people are often looking down throughout the day which can lead to slouching and poor posture. Slouching in chairs, cradling phones on your shoulder, and standing with slumped shoulders can all contribute to poor posture. When you are standing, make an effort to stand with your legs slightly apart and bent. Putting one leg slightly in front of the other can take pressure off of your lower back and reduce strain.
Correcting this behavior can feel very awkward at first, but once you reverse your habit, your back health will improve in the long term.
Not Exercising
Keeping your body flexible and strong can drastically improve your back health. Exercises such as pilates and yoga will stretch your muscles while also strengthening them in the right places. As our muscles become stronger, they are less likely to revert to poor posture and slouching which can cause lower back pain.
Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
Many patients who have predominantly desk jobs that require them to sit behind a computer for most of the day experience some degree of back discomfort. Prolonged sitting compresses the spine and increases stress on the back and neck.
To combat this, we tell our patients to make it a point to get up and move throughout the day. Setting a timer on your phone, computer, or watch every hour or so to get up and stand for a few minutes can make the world of a difference. If possible, opting for a standing desk has also enabled patients with desk jobs to combat their sedentary habit as well.
Not Getting Enough Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are both essential for proper bone health. If you are experiencing any back pain, eating more foods that are high in these nutrients can not only help your pain but also improve your overall body health. Some foods that are high in calcium include dairy products, kale, spinach, and white beans. Foods that are high in vitamin D include salmon, cheese, and egg yolks.
Incorrectly Lifting
Lifting heavy items incorrectly has resulted in many back injuries. When lifting any heavy boxes or objects, make sure to lift with your legs and keep your back straight. Once you have lifted the item, walk slowly and straight with it in-hand. Quick, jerky, or twisted movements can pull your muscles and cause injury.
What To Do If You Have Back Pain
If you are currently experiencing back pain, there are steps you can take to relieve your symptoms. At Gardner Chiropractic & Injury in Gainesville, FL, we make it our job to locate the source of your pain and provide treatments and adjustments that will send you home feeling happier and healthier.
Dr. Gardner is highly experienced in the area of manual manipulation. He is committed to making each of his patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatments. Dr. Gardner is a Palmer graduate trained in the Gonstead, Diversified, ArthroStim, Thompson technique (using drop tables), and Activator protocols. The use of these techniques is to customize and ensure that patients are comfortable during their treatments.
If you struggle with anxiety over chiropractic treatments, we are committed to making sure you are at ease and confident with our course of treatments and techniques.
Contact our chiropractic office in Gainesville, FL today to set up your appointment with Dr. Gardner and the team.
