Habits That Lead to Back Pain

Chances are you or someone you know have experienced back pain and have been treated by a physiotherapist or massage therapist. According to an article by Everyday Health, 80% of people have had back pain at least once in their life often due to stress or poor behaviour.
Everyday Health has highlighted these 7 habits that contribute to back pain and can be easily avoided in your daily life.

1. Not exercising. Failure to exercise can be linked to many health risks and can lead to bad posture. Cardiovascular exercises and abdominal/core strengthening are recommended to avoid low back pain.
2. Bad posture. Poor posture puts strain on back muscles and can also change the characteristic shape of the spine.
3. Lifting incorrectly. Many back injuries are a result of lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
4. Being overweight. Excess fat in the mid section causes gravity to pull your body forward putting strain on your back.
5. Smoking. Nicotine can restrict blood flow to the vertebral discs and lower the amount of calcium your body absorbs leading to a decrease in bone growth and increased susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures.
6. Calcium and vitamin D. These are fundamental nutrients that are needed for bone growth.
7. Being sedentary. Being active increases blood flow which causes inflammation to decrease and muscle tension to reduce.

Correcting these 7 steps will prevent future back problems, alleviate back pain and help you live easier. Visit a physiotherapist if you have chronic back pain.