Everyone has experienced back pain at some point in their lives. While it goes away easily in some instances, some cases can last for a long time, causing discomfort and added stress.
Treatment of this condition, be it serious or chronic, should start with the identification of its causes. As Denver Integrated Spine Center explains, “Back injuries are an on-going risk in many work environments, particularly those that include lifting and/or twisting or other repetitive motions that involve back strain.”
Here are some of the most common causes of back pain and ways to prevent them:
Too much gadget use
Increased use of gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets, can cause back pain. Most people use their gadgets while slouching, putting strain not only on the back, but also on the shoulders and neck.
Experts advise taking breaks from using gadgets. Stretching and doing neck exercise help in easing pressure on the affected areas.
Lack of stretching and exercise
Sports and physical activities do good to your body. If you only get to do it once a week and you push your body to the limit, it could be very bad to your spine health. This is especially true when you don’t exercise regularly and don’t do warm-ups before engaging in physical activities.
Chiropractors suggest stretching before and after doing your favorite sports. This should condition your body and help avoid injury that can cause back discomfort.
Long hours of sitting
Sitting all day puts you at greater risk of backache, as it puts pressure on skeletal disks and vertebrae. Office workers, in particular, are prone to back pains when they spend long hours in in front their computers.
To alleviate the pressure on your back, you can use lumbar-support cushion. It helps adjust your seat’s height, so your screen is at eye-level. Take computer breaks, as well. Chiropractic is another way to alleviate back pain. According to WebMD, about 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually to seek relief from backache.
The key to preventing back pain is proper posture with a little bit of exercise on the side. When the pain becomes chronic, consult a medical professional immediately.