Unexpected Causes of Upper Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Back pain is something many people will experience at some point. It’s a large part of the reason why chiropractic care is so important when it comes to caring for your spine and preventing back pain. Most of the time when you suffer from back pain it’s not because of a serious health problem as you might fear. Quite often the culprit could be that cute pair of shoes you love to wear or the mattress you sleep on. Here are some of the things that can lead you to back pain that may just surprise you.
You Don’t Eat Right
If you don’t eat right and maintain a healthy weight then you increase your chances of experiencing back pain. Extra weight puts stress and strain on all of your joints, including the ones in your spine. It also can interrupt the natural curves of your spine, which can lead to bigger problems down the road. If you’re looking to make your diet better and maintain a healthy weight, talk to a registered dietician or discuss it with your chiropractor – they have a lot of nutrition knowledge too!
You Don’t Exercise
If you spend a majority of your day sitting around then you will almost certainly have back pain. Avoiding exercise means that your muscles aren’t strong or toned, and that can lead to a weakness that ends up in back pain. Keeping your body tight and strong through exercise helps you to feel better all over and stretching helps improve your flexibility and range of motion too, which is a great way to reduce or eliminate back pain.
Poor Posture
If you’re at your computer right now, how are you sitting? If you’re slouched over your computer then you will more than likely experience back pain. When you’re sitting your ears should be over your shoulders, your shoulders should be in line with your hips and your knees should be slightly lower than your hips. Make sure you take frequent breaks, at least once an hour, when you’re working to snap out of the posture you’re in and get moving.
Your Favorite Shoes
Even shoes that are sensible can be bad for your back if they’re too old. Look at the way the soles of your shoes are worn to see how you’re walking in them, and make sure to replace them often. If you notice the wear patterns are strange, bring it up to your chiropractor. They can evaluate the way you walk and then try and find ways to help you correct it, which can help keep back pain at bay.
If you have questions about the back pain you're experiencing, discuss it with your chiropractor the next time you’re at The Joint Chiropractic!
