Are you Struggling with Persistent Aches? There are 3 Lifestyle Factors That Can Trigger Back Pain

 

Struggling with back pain and aches? Have a hard time walking around and staying active? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, more than one-third of the U.S. population experiences lower back pain at any given time. Most times, this condition is due to lifestyle factors, such as poor posture, incorrect lifting form, or prolonged sitting.

 

Treatment options depend on the root cause of your problem. For example, someone who experiences back pain following a sports injury will require a treatment than those suffering from arthritis-related pain. That’s why it’s important to know what triggers your symptoms in the first place.

 

Interested to find out more? Let’s take a look at some of the most common yet overlooked causes of back pain:

 

Stress

 

This may come up as a surprise, but stress is often the culprit behind back pain and aches. It’s also a major contributor to IBS, heart disease, high blood pressure, eczema, psoriasis, and other psychosomatic disorders.

 

If you’ve been stressed out lately, your back may hurt more than usual. You may also experience fatigue, poor sleep, neck pain, and diffuse muscle aches. Those who work out regularly may feel weaker and need more time to recover from exercise.

 

Even though you cannot completely eliminate stress, there are ways to keep it under control. Sure, this won’t necessarily take your pain away, but it may reduce its intensity.

 

Try to get more rest, start practicing Pilates or yoga, and do breathing exercises. Avoid people or situations that trigger stress. If your pain persists, consult a chiropractor or a physiotherapist.

 

Shirtless man with lower back pain or backache

 

Lack of Sleep

 

Sleep deprivation and back pain go hand in hand. Poor sleep triggers pain, and vice-versa. In a study conducted on subjects with chronic neck and back pain, nearly 20 percent of the patients reported sleeping less than four hours per night. Researchers have also identified a strong link between pain intensity and the grade of sleep deprivation.

 

When you sleep, your body produces important hormones, such as testosterone and HGH, and repairs damaged tissues. Even the slightest sleep deprivation can interfere with these processes and increase your sensitivity to pain. Furthermore, it raises the stress hormone cortisol levels, which may reduce the body’s pain tolerance and trigger inflammation.

 

Your Profession

 

Believe it or not, your job could be making you sick. Back pain is more common in people with certain professions, such as drivers, nurses, factory workers, construction workers, office workers, carpenters, and plumbers. Pro athletes and dancers are at risk too.

 

These professions involve prolonged sitting or standing as well as sudden movements that can trigger back pain and make it worse. For this reason, they’re commonly referred to as “back-breaking” jobs.

 

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should quit your job or switch careers. What you can do is to pay more attention to your posture and lifting form. If you spend hours sitting at a desk or driving, take regular breaks. Go out for a walk, squeeze more exercise into your schedule, and stay active throughout the day.

 

These are just a few of the many causes of back pain. Our list could also include strength imbalances, reduced range of motion, underlying cardiovascular problems, urinary tract infections, and more. If you’re obese or overweight, carrying around those extra pounds can put stress on your spine an joints, causing pain.

 

No matter the cause of your problem, consult a medical professional before taking any drugs. A qualified healthcare provider can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action based on your needs.