Back pain is the most common health complaint among adults, with eight out of ten people experiencing it at some point. While there can be many causes of back pain, many cases are linked to work-related activities, especially those that involve spending long hours sitting at a desk or standing on hard surfaces.
If you're one of the millions who suffer from back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It can make it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks, making it hard to function both at work and at home.
What Causes Your Back Pain?
Various factors, including poor posture, lack of exercise, and obesity, can cause back pain. However, many people don't realize that their job may contribute to their back pain.
Sitting for long periods, particularly in a chair that doesn't provide proper support, can strain your back muscles. This is especially true if you're hunched over a computer or looking down at your phone for extended periods.
Standing for long periods, especially on a hard surface, can cause back pain. This is because standing puts a lot of pressure on your lower back, leading to muscle strain and other problems.
How to Prevent Back Pain?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent back pain from occurring in the first place. One of the most important things you can do is maintain good posture while sitting and standing.
When sitting, make sure your chair provides proper lumbar support. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Avoid crossing your legs, as this can strain your back.
When standing, shift your weight from one foot to the other every few minutes. This will help prevent muscle fatigue and strain.
Taking frequent breaks is also essential if sitting or standing for long periods. Get up and stretch, walk around, or do some light exercise to help keep your muscles from getting too tight.
Does Stress Cause Back Pain?
Stress is another major contributor to back pain. When stressed, your muscles tend to tense up, leading to pain and discomfort.
One of the best ways to combat stress is through exercise. Exercise helps release endorphins, natural painkillers that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Yoga and meditation are also great stress-busters. These activities can help you learn to relax your mind and body, which can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate back pain.
How to Treat Back Pain?
If you're already experiencing back pain, several treatments can help alleviate your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy is another effective treatment option. A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and techniques to help improve your posture and strengthen your back muscles.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe back pain. However, this is usually only recommended as a last resort.
Conclusion
By maintaining good posture, taking frequent breaks, and reducing stress, you can help prevent back pain from occurring. If you're already experiencing back pain, several treatment options are available to help alleviate your symptoms.
Are you looking for relief from back pain in Whitehorse? Don't let back pain hold you back any longer - take control of your health and book your appointment with us today!
