Nothing will ruin your day faster than back pain. Unfortunately, many daily activities put stress on our spine and muscles. The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as common causes of injury:
- Force. Exerting too much force on your back — such as by lifting or moving heavy objects — can cause injury.
- Repetition. Repeating certain movements can lead to muscle fatigue or injury, particularly if you’re stretching to the limit of your range of motion or using awkward body positioning.
- Posture. Slouching exaggerates your back’s natural curves, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.
- Stress. Pressure at work can increase your stress level and lead to muscle tension and tightness, which can contribute to or worsen back pain.
Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to avoid pain. Healthfinder.gov, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggests the following:
- Do back strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 to 3 times a week.
- Stand and sit up straight.
- Avoid heavy lifting. If you do lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight. This way, your leg muscles will do most of the work.
- If you are overweight, lose weight to help lower the strain on your back.
If you have numbness or tingling, if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest, or if you have pain after a fall or an injury, go see a physician.