What’s Causing That Pain in Your Back?

Most Americans have suffered from a form of back pain at some point in their life and many live with it daily, so don’t worry, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, there are many things that we do in our everyday life that can contribute to back pain. Whether it’s a sore muscle, a pinched nerve, or something with your spine, there are many contributors to back pain. The best place to start in managing back pain is to know the possible causes. When you know the source, it is easier to avoid back pain triggers, so let’s take a look at some of the most common contributors.

Sciatica

If you experience back pain after working out or doing heavy lifting, it is usually caused by straining a muscle, but it is possible the pain could be a result of a bulging or ruptured disc. If this disc presses against the sciatic nerve it can cause pain from the buttock all the way down your leg, and this is called sciatica.

Posture

Your mom wasn’t just giving you a hard time when she told you to sit or stand up straight. Your back is best at supporting weight when you’re not slouching. When you’re standing, keep your weight evenly distributed on both feet. The ideal conditions for sitting are good lumbar support, shoulders back, and a low stool for your feet.

Work

Whether you are doing heavy lifting or sitting at a desk, your job can contribute to your back pain. A physical job that involved lifting, pullng, or twisting can all contribute to back pain. The same can also be said for your office job, as we mentioned earlier about posture. An uncomfortable chair or a tendency to slouch can lead to a hurting back.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can certain impact your lower back. There are circumstances where arthritis on the spine can cause the area around the spine to narrow, this is referred to as spinal stenosis.

Osteoporosis

Reduced mass causes bones to weaken. When this happens on your spine’s vertebrae, compression fractures can occur.

Bag

Purses, backpacks, briefcases can all add to your back pain. Even though these items generally rest on our shoulders, your back is the one carrying the weight of your upper body and anything resting on it. Day after day of literally shouldering the burden – in this case, the weight of your bag – can certainly put some strain on your lower back.

Workout

A hard workout at the gym, golfing, or playing softball are some most common ways to overextend muscles in the back, which can lead to low back pain. If you are mostly sedentary during the week, this can increase the odds of injury when you spend hours at the gym, golf course, or softball fields.

These are some of the most common contributors to back pain. They say knowing is half the battle, and knowing what can cause back pain will help you in avoiding some of these triggers. If you experience severe back pain, it is best to see a doctor to be sure your pain is not something more serious.

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