The month of October makes most people think of pumpkin spice lattes, vibrant leaves, and Halloween costumes. But here at Premier Orthopaedics, we have something else we keep an eye out for, too, because it's also the time of year known as National Spine Health...
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September is National Vascular Disease Awareness Month
As September starts, it's National Vascular Disease Awareness Month. This is a great time to learn about the health of our veins and arteries. Vascular diseases include problems like deep vein thrombosis and peripheral arterial disease. Read on to learn how to keep...
Causes & Treatment Options for Sciatica
Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg is what is commonly referred to as sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve down the leg which means that typically, only one side of the body is affected. The sensation that...
Everyday Habits that Cause Back Pain
Your back is used for everything from the slightest movement, bend, or twist, to keeping your body standing upright. Unfortunately, this puts a lot of responsibility on the back that can lead to wear and tear over the years. There are also specific movements that can cause back pain and disrupt your daily routine and evening sleep.
Continue reading to find out about the ordinary habits that could be causing your back pain.
Sitting at a Desk
Sitting puts 40 percent more stress on your spine than standing. When your spine is idle or you’re slouching, the inactive joints become less lubricated which causes them to age more quickly. Leaning forward over a computer can tighten your chest muscles, round your shoulders, and cause you to slouch. To rectify this situation, you should make an effort to maintain good posture and take breaks every now and then.
Start by leaning back in your chair slightly when you can. Make it a habit to do so every time you take a phone call or during discussions with a coworker. It’s also crucial that your desk chair be supportive. Your head should be straight rather than leaning forward when you are looking at your computer. It will also benefit you to get up and walk around during the day as often as you can.
The Daily Commute
Just as leaning over your computer will disrupt your posture, the same goes for leaning over your steering wheel. Be aware of your driving posture on the way to and from work, and be sure to sit at a 90-degree angle. Position the driver’s seat so that you don’t have to stretch your arms and legs to reach the steering wheel and pedals.
Lack of Exercise
Daily exercise can do wonders for your body, and your spine in particular. Some people believe that they can’t exercise when they have back pain because it will make the pain worse. However, engaging in any type of exercise, whether it’s jogging, walking, or swimming, will help relieve the stiffness you’re experiencing in the spine.
You’ll also notice that stretching daily will relieve the tension in your back. Be sure to focus on stretching the hamstrings and hips.
Unhealthy Diet
It’s no secret that a balanced diet can do wonders for the body, relieve aches and pains, and make your overall quality of life better. Eating habits that are good for your heart and blood sugar are also good for your back health. With a good diet, nutrients are brought to the spine and inflammation is reduced.
If you would like to eat for improved back health, avoid excess caffeine and processed food, and focus instead on enriched wheat flour, whole grains, nuts, seeds, protein, vegetables, and fruit.
Take these habits into consideration and try to alter your daily routine slightly to begin reducing your back pain. If the pain persists, you may be dealing with a more serious issue. Contact your doctor for an evaluation.
