Habits That Hurt Your Back
By Donna Stark
Millions of Americans will experience back pain at some point or another during their lives, and although that may seem like a staggering number, it actually isn't when you consider everything that we put our spines through from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. The amount of stress and strain that we place on our backs with our everyday habits is enough to make your head spin. But worse than that, it's enough to make your back hurt.
Habits That Hurt Your Back
Fortunately, you can always find relief with chiropractic care, but before you head out the door to do that, let's first take a look at some of the most common habits that can cause your back to start hurting.
- Poor stress management - When you are overly stressed, the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulder will naturally begin to tighten and become stiff, which can cause them to pull on your spine
- Unhealthy diet - A diet full of processed foods and high in sugar and fat can lead to excess weight gain and an increase of inflammation in both your spine and the muscles supporting it
- Unfriendly footwear -The angle that your foot is in while consistently wearing high heels can put extra stress on your knees, which puts extra stress on your pelvis, which in turn, puts extra stress and strain on your lower back
- Bad posture - If you find that your shoulders are hunched over while sitting, that you are placing all of your weight on one hip while standing, or that you are looking down at your phone the majority of the day, you can pretty much expect some significant back issues down the road
- Worn mattress - An old, worn-out mattress left over from your college days may not be the best when it comes to good spinal support and quality rest, so give it the heave-ho before it gives you chronic back pain
Changing Your Habits
You may need to find better ways to manage your stress, you probably need to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet and find another pair of shoes, you should always try to sit up straight, and that mattress? Well, deep down, you know what to do with that. But the most impactful change you can make to your lifestyle is to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. So come on in and see them today! It's the easiest way to leave that million-people group that nobody really wants to be a part of!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.