7 causes of lower back pain and how to avoid them

If you suffer from back pain, know that you are not alone. Half of the American working population suffers from the same pain in the lower back. Although many people use medication to relieve pain, it is not always an effective and surefire way to deal with it. In fact, we can change some of the things we do every day to relieve lower back pain, and even prevent it in the first place.

We at Bright Side decided to take a closer look at some seemingly harmless daily habits that hurt your spine and cause chronic pain.

1. Wear tight skirts and high-heeled shoes

Although thin skirts can attract attention, they can also cause back pain. It restricts the movement of the hips, which causes tension on the spine. It also occurs as a result of wearing high heels, which place your feet at an abnormal height, causing excessive movement of the lower back muscles. You can enjoy fashion and style without harming your health by choosing skirts that allow your legs to move freely and shoes with heels under 5 cm.

2. Excessive consumption of drinks rich in sodas

Sipping sugary drinks isn't the best way to conserve energy. It is associated with many health risks, including exacerbation of back pain. The habit of drinking soda can lead to the formation of kidney stones, which can cause severe back pain. Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks leads to an accumulation of gas in the digestive system, which causes strong pressure on the spine. If you experience back pain after drinking a glass of Coca-Cola, you should consider increasing your water intake.

3. Tensions

When your body releases stress hormones, its muscles tighten, which leads to an aching sensation in your neck, shoulders, and back. Studies have shown that daily relaxation exercises can effectively improve and relieve back pain.

4. Using poor quality pillows

When you sleep on a pillow that is too big, you may feel comfortable, but you will suffer from back pain later. Unfortunately, most pillows place your head in an unnatural position, which puts pressure on your neck and spine and causes pain and lack of sleep. If you can't sleep without a pillow, choose a pillow that adapts and changes shape based on your head and body measurements, and place another pillow between or under your knees. These sleeping positions have been proven to relieve pressure on the spine.

5. Washing dishes in a dangerous situation

Leaning over the sink while washing dishes puts pressure on your lower back, which strains the muscles in this area. Even though doing the dishes only takes a few minutes, your back will inevitably hurt over time. You can rest one of your feet on a small chair, thus avoiding straining your lower back. This will help you adjust your posture and prevent you from stretching your back muscles.

6. Frequent use of stairs and stairs

While going up and down stairs is generally a healthy habit, it's not the best way to stay in shape if you suffer from lower back pain. In this case, or when you suffer from knee pain, it is best to consult your doctor before using the stairs as an exercise method.

7. Read on the bed

The habit of reading books in bed before bed can stiffen your shoulders and back. Bending over causes tension in the spine and lower back muscles, which leads to pain. And if reading a book before bed helps decompress after a busy day, it's best to invest some money in a chair designed specifically for reading, which offers good support for the spine.

Do you have any of these habits? Do you know of any other ways to relieve back pain?