What Habits are Hurting Your Back?

By Donna Stark

Cleaning out your attic, moving furniture, and picking your child up from the floor are just a few examples of what can lead to lower back pain, but we already know that, don't we? In fact, many of us take the extra precautions needed to stay safe when lifting heavy objects because we know how easy it is to "throw out" our back. But what about the seemingly innocent things we do each day? Can you think of any activities you perform during your daily routine that might be causing your back to hurt? No? Well, think again, because there are a lot.

A Typical Day Can Cause Back Pain

There are many different activities that most of us perform on a daily basis that can easily lead to back pain and that doesn't involve any heavy lifting. The unfortunate thing about them though, is that we may not even realize the damage that is being caused until it is too late. Curious as to what they are? Let's take a look at a few of them here.

• Driving - If you have a long commute, a job behind the wheel, or a bunch of busy kids that need to be driven to their activities, the health of your back could be in danger. To reduce back pain caused by excessive driving, make sure you pay attention to your posture, invest in a good lumbar support, and take plenty of breaks during the ride.
• Reading - Who knew that reading would be dangerous to your health? Well, to be honest, there's nothing inherently wrong with reading, but if your nightly habit is to read in bed, you may be setting yourself up for back and neck stiffness depending on what position you are in. Propping your head up with pillows or lying on your side can actually place additional stress on the lower back, so it may just be safer to do your reading in a comfortable chair instead.
• Getting dressed - You probably wouldn't connect the outfits you wear with the back pain you feel, but it might be time to start doing so, especially if you continually choose the wrong items. Things you should give a lot of consideration to are high heels, oversized bags, heavy backpacks, sports bras, and tight jeans as they can force your body into unnatural postures and limit your range of motion.

Take a Look at Your Habits

If you are experiencing back pain and know it was not caused by a traumatic event, take a look at your daily habits and behaviors. The cause of your pain and discomfort might be right in front of you!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.