In many cases, you can pinpoint the exact cause behind your back pain. Maybe you work a repetitive or physically demanding job that leaves you sore at the end of the day, or you have recently been in an accident that left you injured. These causes are usually easy to identify and seek treatment for. But many people also struggle with vague, chronic back pain that seems to persist no matter what. While there are a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can contribute to chronic back pain such as this, there are also quite a few daily activities that may be to blame for your pain. Below, learn about five surprising things that may be the cause behind back pain that won’t go away.
Eating Junk Food
Can your diet really affect your back pain? There is some evidence to suggest that it can. Certain types of food are known to cause inflammation, which is a major contributor to muscle pain. Drinks high in sugar, such as energy drinks, are among the biggest offenders. Eating too much red meat, caffeine or simple starches found in white bread or pasta can cause inflammation as well. Try to eat and drink these things in moderation to help reduce your back pain.
Watching TV
It may seem counterintuitive that a sedentary activity can cause pain, but watching TV is actually a major culprit of issues with your back. It’s not just watching TV – any activity where you sit in the same position for an extended period of time can cause similar issues. To address the problem, it is important to pay attention to your posture and to not sit in one position for too long. If you do end up lounging on the couch for a long time here and there, try to break up the day with other activities that require you to get up and walk around.
Reading in Bed
As opposed to watching TV or reading your phone in bed, reading a book may seem like a healthy alternative. While looking at a page rather than a screen is better for your eyes, it may not be any better for your neck and back. People tend to lay semi-reclined with a pillow behind their head while reading in bed, which can stress the neck and lower back given enough time. If you do read in bed every night, try switching up your position or adjusting your posture so that you sit up straighter.
Looking at Your Phone
If you sit with your neck craned over your smart phone for extended periods of time, it can have the same negative effects as reading in bed or watching TV in the same position. Given the fact that the average person checks their phone five times an hour and spends roughly a third of their waking hours looking at their phone, there’s no wonder that phone usage can have an effect on physical health (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/smartphone-usage-estimates_us_5637687de4b063179912dc96). Most people have a poor posture while looking at their phones, which can quickly lead to ongoing back and neck pain.
Carrying Bags
Everyone knows the dangers of lifting heavy boxes incorrectly, but what about small boxes and bags that we carry every day? If you carry a purse, briefcase, messenger bag or backpack, it can have a significant effect on your back over time. Even your weekly grocery trip can wreak havoc on your lower back. To reduce the strain on your back, try taking unnecessary items out of any bag you carry on a daily basis. As for groceries and other similar shopping trips, try carrying fewer bags at one time and making more trips. This may take more time, but your lower back can benefit greatly over time.
If you’ve been experiencing back pain, call one of the chiropractors at Premier Health Chiropractors. We’re here to help!