Back Pain: Everyday Hazards You Need to Know About
By Sara Butler
Back pain is a problem familiar to many people -- about 65 million Americans report an episode of back pain each year. In fact, most people (about 80 percent) will experience back pain at some point over the course of their lives. It can strike at any time but there are a few everyday hazards that may make up your chances. Here's what the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to know about the everyday hazards associated with back pain.
Occupations
There are some occupations that are associated with an increased risk of back pain. These include:
- Construction
- Nursing
- Manual labor
- Factory work
- Routine office work
These professions may cause strained muscles and ligaments, abnormal wear and tear, or poor posture and stress that lead to back pain.
What You Eat
If you don't eat a healthy diet and the result is an unhealthy weight, then that can be the cause of your back pain. Additional body weight puts a lot of stress and strain on your spine as well as your other joints and puts you at a higher risk of back pain.
Also, if you don't eat a healthy diet, then your body may not be getting what it needs to keep your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones strong. That can cause back pain as well.
Where You Sleep
What kind of mattress do you sleep on and how do you sleep on it? If you're sleeping on a mattress that is too hard, too old, or too soft, then it can cause back pain. How you sleep also plays a role in the health of your back. It's best to sleep on your side or on your back with pillows to support your legs and hips in each position. If you sleep on your stomach, then the natural curves of your spine aren't properly supported, and back pain can be the result.
What You Can Do
If you have back pain, then consult with a chiropractor as soon as you can. They can help you to identify the root cause of the pain and take steps to address it. You can also make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and fiber. Exercise is also a way to counteract back pain to help strengthen the muscles that support the spine and help you to reach a healthy body weight.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.
