The Real Cause of Your Back Pain
By Sara Butler
Back pain is not enjoyable. In fact, it's something many people strive to avoid in life but few are fully successful. According to the American Chiropractic Association, the average person has an 80 percent chance of experiencing back pain at some point in their life. When back pain strikes, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractor don't simply treat the symptoms, they strive to identify the underlying cause and treat it, so you can be back pain-free. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain seen by the chiropractors at The Joint.
Tech Neck
How many hours per day do you spend on the computer? How about on your smartphone or some other handheld device? In today's world of constant connection, many people are guilty of spending a little too much time looking down each day. All that downward tilt may seem innocent enough, but the truth is that all that looking down puts stress and strain on your neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to a painful condition called tech neck.
If you are experiencing back or neck pain, then your use of technology may be to blame, which is why it's important to analyze your technology habits and strive to improve them.
Hip Problems
The cold, hard truth about back pain is that it often isn't caused by a problem with the spine at all. Many times, joint dysfunction and restrictions in other parts of the body can cause pain in the back -- the hips are a perfect example. Simple things you do each day, such as carry your bag or wear heels, can impact your hips, causing joint dysfunctions or restrictions that lead to low back pain. Often, weak muscles in the core, back, and pelvis make the problem even worse.
Sitting for Long Periods
Raise your hand if you spend a lot of time sitting behind a desk. If so, you're not alone. Many people spend hours at work each day sitting only to come home and sit some more. This prolonged sitting puts a lot of stress and strain on the legs, arms, neck, and back, often resulting in pain. You can reduce your chances of experiencing pain by making sure to use ergonomic chairs, keyboards, and mouse pads at your office. You should also make sure to take breaks at least once per hour to stretch and move around.
At home, use the evenings to exercise. Doing something as simple as walking in place during commercial breaks of your favorite television show can make a difference. If you need more ideas, talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.