Five Shocking Reasons Behind Your Back Pain

Are you prone to back pain? There is a chance that you are not doing a number of things right and those things could be quite surprising. Here are five shocking reasons behind your back pain and how to make your back stop hurting.

Your Pants Are Too Tight
Skinny jeans could be doing a number on your back. Outfits that are too-tight constrict the body, which limits your range of motion and can strain your back, neck, and shoulders.

The biggest fashion culprits are Skinny jeans and pencil skirts. For clothes that are snug but not skintight, look for fabrics with a bit of stretch to them. Make sure you can easily slip a finger under the waistband.

You sit All Day
Inactivity is one of the most detrimental things you can do to your body. Your muscles get used to being in that seated position, so they tighten up.

To combat sitting-induced muscle stiffness and tightness, stretch your lower posterior muscles (Achilles, calves, hamstrings, and glutes) when you wake up. When those start to tighten then your lower back starts to feel the brunt of the pains.

It’s also a good idea to get up and walk around a few times throughout the day, and to make sure your back is supported and not slouched when you are seated.

You’re Stressed Out
Emotional outlook is a big predictor of back pain. If you’re uptight for a long period of time, that muscle tension can lead to aches and spasms. Common areas for stress-triggered back pain include the neck and shoulder region and lower back.

Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing (inhale slowly for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four), a walk, or yoga.

Your Heels Are High
Your fashionable shoe collection might be responsible for your back pain. High heels throw off your center of gravity and make you lean forward to walk, put extra pressure on the feet, and cause you to not fully extend the calf.

This puts more strain and stress on the lower back, which can cause pain. If you must wear heels for work, invest in a nice pair of walking shoes for the commute and change at the office.

Your Diet Is Bad
A 2014 study in the Asian Spine Journal found that about 31 percent of women and 25 percent of men who suffered from back pain also had gastrointestinal complaints, such as abdominal pain or food intolerance.

The link between nutrition and back pain is all about inflammation; foods high in fat and sugar trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the lower back. Aim for “clean” whole foods instead of processed ones whenever possible.

Always have a protein like lean meat or beans, a good whole grain like brown rice, and vegetables.