Back pain is one of the most common health concerns people share. With as many as three out of five people claiming that they suffer from back pain, it is easily one of the most common conditions. Back pain, although it’s not necessarily deadly, can be a pain both literally and figuratively.
It can hold you back from being able to get simple activities done and affect your overall productivity. The good news is that it’s possible to ease your pain. The first step is identifying what the cause is, then you can move toward a solution. To help you, here are some of the potential causes of your back pain, and how to fix it.
Muscle Strain
Sometimes the cause of your back pain may be as simple as overdoing it. Did you recently lift something a little too heavy for your body weight? Perhaps you failed to follow the right lifting technique repetitive movements can also be a cause for muscle strain. If you sit in the same position all day, then it will eventually start to take its toll on your spine, leaving you with an aching back.
This is why it’s important that you know how to practice proper posture. Whether you have a job that’s on your feet all day or a job that requires you to sit in one place, proper posture is essential. Proper posture involves keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, and your shoulders rolled back. Your spine should not be slouched, or overly arched, but rather right in the middle you want to avoid pain.
A Herniated Disc
Herniated discs, which are also referred to as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, happen when the interior of a spinal disc pops out into the top outer layer, pressing on your nerves and causing extreme pain. In some cases, you may even feel numb or tingling that goes all the way down the legs. This may require surgery, as a way to relieve your discomfort and pain.
Age
As we get older, we may have thickened ligaments, or bone spurs, which can cause back pain. Often, this is caused by spinal stenosis, which is when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the cord and its roots. This is why you see many old people struggling to walk, as their spinal pain is excruciating after prolonged amounts of standing or walking. If you’re over the age of 70, you should try to sit down as often as possible. If you start to feel pain after prolonged periods of movement or standing, make sure you rest, and talk to a doctor about your concerns.
Abnormal Curvature
Scoliosis is commonly the cause of people’s back pain. This is a condition in which the spine is abnormally curved, and can worsen as we get older. The good news is that if you catch your scoliosis early on enough, specialists can help you follow a treatment that should correct your scoliosis over time.
