It goes without saying that back pain can have a huge impact your daily life, affecting your work, social life, and even hobbies. While we may attribute it to something as simple as poor posture or a heavy backpack, there are many surprising causes of back pain that we tend to overlook.
In this blog post, we’ll explore these unexpected causes of back pain that could be affecting you. Depending where you’re located, it might be beneficial to seek back pain acupuncture in Sydney to alleviate the soreness.
Dehydration
Inadequate hydration can cause muscles and joints to become tightly gripped, leading to back pain. Our spinal column contains water, and when our bodies don’t have enough water, we become dehydrated, resulting in chronic back pain. To prevent this, try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Stress
Did you know that stress can lead to back pain? When we’re stressed, our muscles tense up, and if the tension persists, it can lead to muscle strain and ultimately, back pain. This type of back pain is usually located in the upper back and shoulders. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to manage stress, whether it’s through meditation, exercise or talking to a professional.
High Heels
Many women love high heels, but you may not realise this is exactly what’s causing your back pain. High heels change the natural curvature of your spine, and the higher the heel, the stronger the pressure on your back. This pressure could lead to lower back pain, muscle spasms or even sciatica. So, if you can’t resist the beauty of high heels, wear them sparingly or switch to a lower, more comfortable heel!
Your Diet
Surprisingly, your diet could also be contributing to your back pain. Eating a diet that’s high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation in your body, and inflammation can lead to back pain. Focus on eating a whole-food, nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats. You can also explore the benefits of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and green tea to help reduce inflammation.
Your Mattress
You may not realise it, but your mattress could be causing your back pain. If your mattress is too soft or too firm, it could be putting pressure on your back, causing muscle strain and pain. A good quality mattress that supports your spine and keeps it in its natural alignment is crucial. If you’re experiencing back pain, consider investing in a new mattress that offers the right support and comfort.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can contribute to back pain, too. Sleeping on your stomach forces your spine out of its natural alignment, while sleeping on your back with no pillow or cushion between the knees puts pressure on the lower back. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to maintain proper spinal alignment.
Your Workstation
If you work at a desk for long hours, your workstation could be causing your back pain. Poor posture, lack of movement, and an improperly adjusted chair or desk can all lead to back pain. Make sure your chair and desk are at the right height, so that your feet are flat on the ground, and your screen is at eye level. Take regular breaks to stretch and move around to keep your muscles loose.
Back pain can be caused by many factors, and it’s essential to identify and address the root cause
It’s worth exploring these surprising causes of back pain to see if any of them are affecting you. And if you’re still struggling with back pain after some investigating, acupuncture could be a solution worth exploring – it treats back pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. With the help of a licensed acupuncturist, you can alleviate your pain, restore your mobility and get back to your daily life.
