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Low back pains are just as miserable as ever and hugely affects your day to day activities, leaving you incapacitated. You are not alone. About 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point during their lifetime.
If you experience a constant ache or a sudden, sharp sensation in the back while carrying heavy objects or performing household chores, then you need to visit the doctor such that the situation doesn’t get worse.
Most of the low back pain is acute and can be resolved with self-care. All you need is to get rid of a sedentary lifestyle and involve in strenuous activities coupled with a healthy diet.
According to a study by the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, the University of Bologna revealed that regular walking decreases pain by allowing blood to circulate and transport vital nutrients that accelerate healing.
Some common factors might be triggering back pain, but they are usually overlooked by people.
So, I’m going to tell you about a few of them. Trust me, you’re going to be like “What?” while you finish reading them.
Let’s dive in:
So, let me tell you
Beware of skinny pants and high heels
Every girl loves wearing skinny jeans. But, did you ever think that it can cause low back pain? You don’t believe me, read ahead.
As per the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), about 73% of women suffer from low back pain due to their wardrobe. Other fashionable clothing, including high heels, oversized bags, big fluffy hoods, heavy statement jewelry, etc. have long been culprits of back pain.
Wearing tight jeans restrict movements and force other muscles to strain as they try to compensate for the change in postures. Try to limit the number of times you wear skinny jeans or switch to stretchable fabrics that allows your finger to easily slip under the waistband.
Heels make you lean forward, putting extra pressure on the feet and lower back.
Let me tell you a bitter truth.
Speaking about the above study by BCA, out of the 73% of women who have had back pain, about 28% of women said that they are aware of all the side effects of wearing heels but did not take this into account while choosing their footwear. It sounds insane to me. Fashion at the cost of your health? Is it wise?
Uneven hips can be a concern
This means that one side of your hip is slightly higher than the other, causing tilted pelvis. This imbalance leads to lower back pain and becomes apparent with time.
Uneven hips affect how your body responds to certain moves, and it differs from person to person. In case your left hip is higher, you may leap on the left side more, making your hip muscles tighter and vice versa.
You need to treat yourself. Consult a doctor who will ask you to do exercises and massages to remove the knots and relax your muscles.
Suffering from urinary tract infection?
If you are suffering from UTI and experience pain in the flank, upper or lower back, then there are chances that the infection has spread to the kidneys. Delay in medication can worsen the situation. Thus, it is mandatory to visit a doctor immediately for treatment. Gulping down a pain relief and ignoring the pain won’t work!
Hint: Any symptoms like pain during urination and urge to urinate should not be taken lightly.
Smoking is injurious to the back
Smokers are prone to develop chronic back pain, states a study published in Cureus. It further suggests that smokers who smoked more than one cigarette per day have a high prevalence of back pain. The reason behind it is that the nicotine present restricts blood flow to the discs that cushion the vertebrae and enhances the rate of degeneration. This loss of cushioning is responsible for back pain.
Inactivity – a potential risk factor for low back pain
Sitting or sleeping in one position for a long time can tighten up your muscles, making them inactive. As a doctor, muscle stiffness and tightness are usual since I have no option. But just a few minutes of stretching your lower posterior muscles, including Achilles, calves, glutes, and hamstrings every morning is a ritual I follow every day.
A quick stretch in the middle of your work is necessary. Get into a habit of going for a walk or a quick workout throughout the day.
Back pain management should be given a priority!
Stress and back pain
Stress is known to be one of the biggest predators of low back pain. Mental distress can add unwanted stress to muscle tension, leading to spasms and aches. Stress-triggered back pain consists of the neck and shoulder region.
A few minutes of deep breathing, yoga, meditation early in the morning can work wonders. Follow a simple rule- Exercise, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.
What to do?
There are different chronic pain types, that cannot be healed by a cold pack or a hot shower. You need to rush to your chiropractor and undergo an opioid pain medication depending on your physical and psychological health. Choose a hospital that aims to give you a meaningful quality of life without burning a hole in your pocket.
About The Author:
Patrick Muller is a compassionate content coordinator at Kroll Care. He has a personal interest in writing about health blogs that probably helps people to gain knowledge about any health-related concerns.
