Most of us experience back pain at some point in our lives. For many people, in fact, this uncomfortable and debilitating form of pain can be a daily occurrence that gets in the way of doing work and having a social life.
Unfortunately, the causes of back pain are notoriously difficult to identify. This is partly down to the fact that it can be caused by a wide range of different factors. As most chiropractors will tell you, however, back pain is most commonly caused by lifestyle factors, some of which may surprise you. These include:
1. Sitting down
On the face of it, sitting down is an innocuous activity performed by everyone on a daily basis. Sitting at a desk all day, however, can put a great deal of pressure on your spine. Indeed, it can cause incremental damage to your back, leaving it feeling achy and tight. Adjusting your office chair and taking regular breaks to stand and walk around is an effective way of combating this form of pain.
2. Flying
Interestingly, pressurised air within aeroplane cabins can irritate a person’s spinal discs. This can render the discs more susceptible to herniation and bulging. To avoid harming your back during and after a long flight, it is a good idea to avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and to perform stretches at regular intervals.
3. Smoking
Smoking has the potential to compromise the spine’s blood supply, something that can cause premature ageing of intervertebral discs. This increases a person’s susceptibility to injury and is one of a whole host of reasons to quit!
4. The fit of your clothing
Constrictive garments such as skinny jeans or body-fitting underwear can constrict the spine and hinder the normal functioning of stabilising muscles. This can make the lower back more vulnerable to injury or strain. Opting for looser clothing is an easy solution to this problem.
5. Your mattress
Soft mattresses can cause back pain as they tend to distribute people’s weight unevenly. Purchasing a firm mattress for your bed can address this issue.
Visit a chiropractor today
If you’re looking for a Perth Chiropractor offering back pain treatment, give us a call today. We can help address some of the common causes of back pain and come up with a treatment plan that suits you.
