Some say it’s a lifestyle thing – we tend to spend too much time being inactive. Some say it’s an evolutionary thing – our bodies aren’t all that well adapted to walking upright. But whatever the reason, lower back pain is one of the most common ailments out there. Yoga stretches are a great way to loosen up stiff and aching muscles, but if we want to get down to the real cause of mild to moderate back pain that just keeps coming back, these three reasons are easy to spot and almost as easy to eliminate.
Your Mattress isn’t Giving You Enough Support
When we sleep, our bodies should be resting and recharging and we should wake up feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready for another new day. But if your mattress is worn-out and sagging, or if it’s too soft and yielding, you’ll wake up with a back ache that lasts all day. At all events, it’s wise to replace mattresses every few years, so if you even think this could be you, a new mattress isn’t a bad place to start.
If you’re dreading the shopping expedition and the complications to your schedule that comes with large deliveries being expected, relax. The best mattress in a box offers are easy to take advantage of. You won’t believe how small a memory foam mattress is once packaged, and it’s tons of fun watching it expand to its pre-ordained shape and size. Plus, memory foam mattresses are comfy and supportive. Could this be the end of lower back pain?
Your Office Desk and Chair are Instruments of Torture
The concept of ergonomically designed office furniture isn’t new. Too bad, a lot of office furniture is still designed for looks instead of comfort. With so many of us spending all day behind a desk, it’s no wonder that the desk and chair combo could be among the most common reasons why we have lower back pain.
If you work from home it’s easy enough to find a combination that’s designed for comfort rather than corporate image. If you don’t, an appeal to your employer’s nobler feelings might see you getting what you need for free, or at least being able to replace office furniture at your own cost. After all, employers are inconvenienced by sick days, and slick-looking furniture doesn’t get the job done – your do!
While you’re at it, look for adjustable furniture that allow you to stand up and work between bouts of sitting and working. Just being able to stand behind your desk for short spells could make a huge difference.
You’re Doing it to Yourself
The way we stand, walk, sit, and perform certain actions could be the reason for regular back aches. Fortunately, yoga exercises are known to improve posture and strengthen the muscles that support the back. However, bad habits may need to be replaced with good ones and that requires a little mindfulness and self-discipline. If your mom told you not to slouch, she was on the right track, so your posture is the first place to start. Are you prone to slouching when sitting or standing? That could be the cause of your lower back pain.
Those of us who do physically demanding jobs that include some heavy lifting might also need to change the way we do things. Correct lifting means putting the additional strain on the legs rather than the arms and back. Bend your legs rather than your back when picking up heavy objects, and use your legs to lift the item instead of letting your back take the strain.
When to See a Doctor
Although mild or transient back pain could be purely lifestyle-related, there are some serious issues that can cause it. If your back pain is intense or doesn’t go away after a few days, you should see a doctor. Fortunately, most back aches are simply a matter of stress and fatigue that causes muscle aches, but if you suspect that something more sinister is to blame, your doctor is the first port of call.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
