The Biggest Causes of Back Pain
By Sara Butler
People usually assume that back pain is caused by some kind of injury. You know, like that time you were going up for that slam dunk and pulled a muscle in your lower back (but still made that dunk!). To the dismay of many, back pain isn’t the result of getting older or even of injury, it’s mostly the byproduct of lifestyle choices you make. The chiropractors at The Joint try hard to educate patients about the way their choices can impact the health of their spine. If you suffer from back pain, then one of these factors may be why!
Your Diet
An unhealthy diet is a one-way ticket to back pain. That’s because an unhealthy diet often leads to having excess body weight, and excess body weight puts more stress and strain on the spine as well as other joints such as the ankle, hips, and knees. To take care of your joints, it’s important to eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
You Don’t Exercise
Another important factor in maintaining a healthy weight is exercise, but it also happens to be good for you skeletal system, too. Exercise helps to increase muscle mass, which then helps to increase bone mass. It keeps your body strong and your metabolism going in order to help keep your body healthy.
You Practice Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the leading contributors to back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. You should ensure that when sitting or standing that the ears are over the shoulders, the shoulders over the hips, and the hips over the ankles (only when standing, of course)!
You Sit Too Much
Driving for long periods of time or sitting most of the day is an unhealthy habit. Your body was made to move, and sitting in one position for too long will lead to health problems – including back pain. Make sure when you’re driving or working at a desk for long periods that you take the time to get up, move, and stretch in order to take the pressure off your joints and your spine.
You Choose Unhealthy Footwear
Not all shoes are created equal, especially when it comes to back pain. Wearing flip-flops, high heels, or any shoes with no shock absorption or arch support on a regular basis will eventually impact the health of your back.
Discuss lifestyle changes you can make to improve the health of your back with the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orlando, Fla.