Focusing On My Back Injuries
Why Does Your Back Pain Keep Coming Back?
Timothy Byrd
For many people, back pain is an issue that seems to come and go. Maybe you seek treatment from a chiropractor or physical therapist and your back pain goes away, but then months or weeks later, it comes back again with a vengeance. Why? Well, it usually has to do with your habits. Here are a few common bad habits that may keep your back pain coming back.
Sleeping on an old mattress
Mattresses are not cheap, and as such, many people endlessly put off replacing their mattress. Unfortunately, though, as mattresses get older, they become compacted and depressed in some spots. This results in uneven pressure being placed on your back as you sleep. If your mattress is approaching the age of 10 or is even older than that, replacing it may finally give you freedom from back pain. If you're on a really tight budget, there are some online mattress companies that offer more affordable foam mattresses that many people with back pain find comfortable.
Gaining weight
Especially if you are someone who carries weight in your abdomen, excess weight can put strain on your back, pulling your spine out of alignment and leading to back pain. Getting your weight under control may be the step you need to take to finally get rid of back pain permanently. Consider meeting with a dietitian to get some personalized nutritional counseling. And then, dedicate yourself to getting more exercise. Swimming is a great exercise for people with back pain as it works the entire body and doesn't put a lot of strain on the back.
Slouching in your chair
If you work in an office environment, pay attention to how you are sitting. If you find that you slouch forward or slump your shoulders a lot, this may be putting strain on your back and causing your back pain to reoccur. Fixing your posture is not easy, but there are a few ways to go about it:
- Try sitting on a workout ball. You will have to keep your shoulders back and your back straight in order to stay upright.
- Put a post-it note on your screen that says "sit up!" You'll sit up whenever you see it.
- Raise your computer screen so that you are looking up, not down.
If your back pain keeps coming back, you need to do something different. Break the habits above, and you'll be on the right track.
For more information about back pain, reach out to a local chiropractor.
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A few months ago, I realized that it was getting progressively more difficult to move around like I used to. Lifting was a chore, sleeping was difficult, and bending over was absolutely grueling. My back hurt when I did just about anything, so I decided to seek help. I contacted a chiropractor in my area for help, and it was amazing how helpful the chiropractor was. I was able to get in for an appointment the same day, and my problems melted away as the doctor worked on my back. My blog details my journey, so that you can see how helpful the right care can be.