Back pain is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. There is a high chance that you know someone who has back pain that affects their lives. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different causes of back pain and it may even have a few triggers that make it act up. Understanding the common causes of back pain can help you identify potential triggers, make lifestyle changes if needed, and look into treatments such as Rexburg physical therapy. Below are some of the primary culprits behind back pain and some pointers on ways to help the symptoms of your back pain if possible.
Muscle Strain and Sprain
Muscle strain or sprain is a leading cause of back pain, often resulting from overexertion, poor lifting techniques, or sudden movements. At one time or another, you may have tweaked something in your back during a movement and you have pain for days afterward. Luckily, that kind of back pain usually subsides after a period of time. But if you have a more serious strain or tear of the muscles and ligaments in the back it can lead to localized pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Maintaining proper body mechanics during physical activities, incorporating regular stretching exercises, and avoiding sudden strenuous movements can help prevent such injuries. This includes lifting with your legs rather than your back if you are doing any heavy lifting to avoid injury.
Poor Posture and Ergonomics
Nowadays, many individuals are working from home or have a job where they are sitting in front of a computer or another kind of electronic for a large portion of the day. These lifestyles tend to contribute to poor posture and ergonomics, leading to back pain. Slouching, hunching over, or sitting for extended periods without proper support can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back. When you are sitting for an extended period of time, it can become easy to hunch over and forget about proper posture. Maintaining good posture, using ergonomic furniture and equipment, taking regular breaks to stretch, and practicing back-strengthening exercises can alleviate and prevent posture-related back pain. If you spend most of your time in a chair, it is important that you do things for yourself that will prevent back pain.
Poor Core Strength and Imbalanced Muscles
Your core muscles do a lot for you in a day and without them, your body would not be nearly as functional. Weak core muscles and imbalances between muscle groups can put excessive stress on the spine, leading to back pain. If other muscles in your body are having to compensate for your weak core, they may end up straining to support your body. The core muscles, including the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles, play a vital role in supporting the spine and maintaining proper alignment. Regular exercise routines that focus on strengthening the core muscles, such as pilates and yoga, can help improve stability, reduce the risk of back pain, and promote overall spinal health.