Suffering from back pain? These 10 everyday habits could be the reason why

If you're battling chronic back pain, there are several possible causes for it; some of them are related to your daily lifestyle.
spine and emotions
Don't let back pain affect your life. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 14 Mar 2021, 16:43 pm IST
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Can you feel the ache in your back? If it hurts, you’re not alone. That’s true — as you age, backache can be a common occurrence, but people don’t realise how much their daily habits cause it.

In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS), 80% of the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. When your back pain becomes chronic, it interferes with your day-to-day life. Sometimes, we struggle to identify the reasons behind the backache. Isn’t that frustrating sometimes?

So, let’s take a look at the daily common habits that are giving you chronic back pain:

  1. Sitting in a particular position for too long

    The bad news is your sitting position can put pressure on your spine. Maintaining your posture is really important, that’s why they say, you should always sit straight. Sitting for too long in a particular position for an extended period, as well as your posture can both cause backache.

2. Wearing high heels

Wearing the wrong shoes while exercising or walking, and strutting around in heels that are over an inch tall are some of the most common culprits for your backache. A lot of us wear heels or shoes that make us uncomfortable, just for the sake of looking stylish. But this adds pressure on your feet and your spine.

3. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress

Are you sleeping on a mattress that belongs to the 20th century? We hope not. That’s because a good mattress lasts for only nine to 10 years, according to the National Sleep Foundation. And sleeping on an old mattress can increase the pressure on your spine, causing severe back pain.

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The way you sleep at night can be the reason why you have a backache. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Lack of regular exercise

If you’re not active, it could be a problem. Your body needs regular movement; these needs can only be met by exercising. Otherwise, your body becomes stiff and it can contribute to backache.

5. Smoking

Smoking reduces the absorption of calcium and prevents new bone growth. Also, frequent coughing from smoking can cause back pain.

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Did you know smoking can give you back pain? Image courtesy: Shutterstock
6. Being overweight

Being overweight can put you at a higher risk for several health issues, including back pain. In fact, NINDS also says, “you’re more likely to suffer from back pain, if you’re overweight because it can add extra strain on the muscles and bones of your back.”

7. Poor sleep

Poor sleeping habits can make you more sensitive to pain. If you are suffering from a lack of sleep, back pain can get worse.

8. Heavy weight lifting

If you lift weights, as part of your daily exercise routine, do it correctly. Otherwise, poor posture during heavy weight lifting can injure any part of your body, including your back, and cause chronic pain.

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Be careful while lifting weights! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
9. Poor nutrition

Those who do not get adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients in their daily diet have a higher risk of developing back pain.

10. Performing wrong exercises

Performing wrong postures, excess physical workout, too much stretching, and doing exercise in a hurry can lead to back pain because they stress out your muscles.

So, avoid these everyday bad habits that are giving you back pain and protect your back.

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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