Lower back pain is not rare as there are vast reasons why your back would hurt. Although age-related changes like spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease are attributed to many cases of back pain in adults, young patients are also diagnosed with the condition, meaning that other reasons can cause your pain. Therefore, you may not have to assume the cause of your pain. Find an anesthesiologist and pain management in Ionia, MI, to accurately diagnose your pain. Some of the overlooked causes of lower back pain are outlined herein and can help you know why your back hurts.
Have You had a Recent Trauma?
Any trauma to your back can cause pain. Therefore, think about any recent injuries you may have sustained, especially if you can tell when the pain began. Whether it is a slip, an accident, or working too hard in the gym, although pain from minor injuries can heal on its own, sometimes you will have to see your doctor, significantly if the pain will not improve after several days. If you are an athlete or physically involved in your tasks, you are more prone to strains and sprains than others.
Think About Your Activity Levels
Your activity level can increase your risks for lower back pain. For example, spending more time seated while operating a computer can cause painful symptoms in your back. Similarly, if you have been standing for the rest of the day, you might as well experience back pain depending on what you were doing. Although you can reverse the symptoms by increasing your activity levels, you might need further medical interventions. Try taking breaks between your schedule and moving around for several minutes. If you note your efforts are not relieving your symptoms, something more serious could be up.
Assess Your Sleeping Habits
Sleep is inevitable, and you should strive to get quality sleep every night. Note that you can experience back pain by sleeping on the wrong mattress or the wrong way. You can easily manage your condition by changing your bad sleeping habits or replacing your old mattress. If you are used to napping on your stomach, understand that that is the worst sleeping position for back pain. Try to lay on your back to see if you can get some relief.
Think About Your Foot Wear
It is good to wear supportive shoes to boost your spinal health. But unsupportive and uncomfortable shoes can be detrimental to your spinal health and cause complications, including lower back pain. Therefore, adjust your footwear by looking for shoes with adequate arch support. Avoid high heels and flat shoes like flip flops as they can cause spine complications resulting in back pain.
Consider the Heavy Items You Carry
Depending on the characteristics of your job, you might be carrying heavy items for a long time, which could be the reason for your back pain. If you frequently have your laptop bag or other heavy bags, try reducing the weight and see if it improves your condition. Most children suffer back pain from carrying heavy backpacks, but you can avoid this by ensuring that your child’s bag is 20 % of their weight.
You can experience low back pain from everyday activities, which can improve through lifestyle changes. But if your pain won’t go away or you cannot tell why you are suffering, reach out to the low back specialists at Advanced Pain Solutions today for help.
