No matter how you lie, sit or stand, the pain can persist. Often the cause can be something serious related to an injury, a slipped disc or sciatica.
“Back pain can come on suddenly or it can be a long-term problem lasting years,” explained an expert from Mobility Solutions Direct.
“The causes of back pain can vary greatly, so it is important to realize that these everyday habits can lead to chronic pain in the back muscles and spine.”
It makes sense that some of these habits—like lack of exercise—can make you more prone to back pain.
But others—like eating too much sugar or drinking too little water—may surprise you.
YOU ARE DEHYDRATED
According to Lee, drinking too little water can cause more than just a dry throat.
“This can result in movement being difficult, stiff and painful.”
Lee’s advice?
Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
An easy way to increase your fluid intake is to load up on fruit and vegetables – they contain more water than you think.
SLEEP ON YOUR BELLY
Your sleep habits can have a ripple effect on your waking moment, Lee continued, especially if you’re a stomach sleeper.
It may seem easier said than done to avoid falling into the sleeping position you find most comfortable.
But Lee shared advice on how to get there.
“When you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees will help keep your spine aligned.
“For back sleepers, a knee pillow can offer similar results.
YOU ARE NOT EATING ENOUGH PROTEIN
According to Lee, your diet can also play a role in whether or not you end up with back pain.
“Protein deficiency can hinder your body’s ability to maintain and repair muscle tissue, making your back muscles more vulnerable to strain and fatigue, which can result in pain,” he explained.
Protein-rich foods help your body grow and repair itself.
Lee advised adding salmon and sardines to your diet for omega-3 fatty acids, while skinless, boneless chicken breasts will give you a protein boost.
YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH
Another diet mistake you may be making is reaching for too much sugary food.
“Eating too many sugary snacks can lead to back pain problems,” Lee explained.
“Too much sugar consumption can trigger chronic inflammation, especially in areas with poor circulation.
“This makes the joints and back particularly prone to pain and inflammation.”
YOU ARE NOT MOVING ENOUGH
While sometimes the odd movement can send your back into excruciating spasms, often too little movement can cause pain as well.
“By exercising regularly, you strengthen the muscles and structure around your spine, reducing how often and how long your back hurts.”
YOU’RE SCALING OVER THE TABLE
If you work in an office, it’s hard to resist the inevitable hunch over your laptop.
But according to Lee, “Leaning forward and staring at the computer while you work can put a lot of pressure on your lower back, causing muscles and ligaments to strain.
“This can result in damage to the muscles around the spine, leading to inflammation and muscle spasms.”
