7 Unexpected Causes of Back Pain

Getting relief seems tough when you don’t know what’s causing your back pain. As a result, we think it’s critical to inform our patients about some of the most unexpected causes of back pain. 

After reading this list, we hope you will have a better understanding and helps you in back pain treatment in cincinnati.

1. Diet

Your diet has a range of effects on your health, including how well your back and spine are doing.

Unhealthy eating habits can contribute to weight problems, and carrying extra weight around the body can cause back pain. Your spine is forced out of its normal, neutral posture as a result of adding weight to the front of your body. Being overweight not only makes your muscles work harder, but it can also weaken your joints.

Even if you aren’t overweight, eating certain foods high in dairy, sugar, and gluten can irritate your joints, which is another cause of back discomfort.

Back pain can be greatly reduced by eating sensibly and avoiding foods that cause inflammation or weight gain.

2. Insufficient or excessive exercise

In a manner similar to diet, insufficient exercise can result in weight increase, which causes back pain. But even if it doesn’t result in weight gain, not exercising enough is bad for your back. Since you should be active and walking about, not engaging in a regular exercise regimen will only make your back problems worse.

Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight while toning and strengthening your muscles so that they can successfully support your back without causing you pain.

However, strain brought on by excessive exercise, incorrect form when exercising, or even an injury sustained during athletic activity can also result in back pain.

At least twice a week, according to experts, you should engage in cardiovascular and strength training exercises, with a concentration on those that will build your back and abdominal muscles. A regular exercise schedule will maintain your spine happy and healthy, and strengthening these muscles will keep them strong enough to support your back! To avoid putting undue tension on your muscles, just be mindful of your form and pay attention to your body.

3. Your Office Job

Working at a desk all day can result in a sedentary lifestyle that prevents you from obtaining the necessary mobility your back needs on a daily basis. A desk job forces you to sit still for long periods of time every day, which can cause stiffness and pain.

This is applicable to any profession that needs you to sit still for extended periods of time, including those that include long commutes.

This can also be made worse by the chair you use for your desk job; back pain will result if your chair isn’t supporting your body appropriately or encouraging good posture. Make sure your back is appropriately supported and that you are sitting with good posture whether you are working in the office or from home.

Every 45 to 60 minutes, it’s advised that you stand up from your desk and go for a little stroll in addition to sitting in an ergonomic chair. Alternatively, you can spend money on a standing desk that allows you to switch between the two positions throughout the day. Just be sure to keep a straight posture!

4. Shoes

You most likely have a favourite pair of shoes that you’ve worn for years, yet they could be the cause of your back problems.

While it’s crucial for the health of your back to have comfortable, supportive shoes, especially when you’ll be walking for long distances, too-worn shoes might restrict your movement and cause back pain. It could be beneficial to get new shoes that provide adequate back support, especially if your profession needs you to stand or move around for extended periods of time. You can also use inserts in your current shoes to add support as doing so may save you money on new footwear.

Naturally, wearing footwear that isn’t supportive or suitable for walking, such stilettos, should also be avoided.

5. Backpacks & Bags

Back pain can result from forcing your spine out of alignment if your daily activities require you to carry a hefty bag or backpack. Even a hefty, stuffed-full wallet in your back pocket can contribute to this by pushing you to sit in an uncomfortable position.

Back pain is influenced by your spine’s alignment as well as any potential weight the bag may put on your shoulder or shoulders.

6. Smoking

To save your back, keep in mind to leave whatever you don’t need to carry with you at home the next time you head out.

Back discomfort is a result of smoking. Smoking is unhealthy, as we all know, but did you realise that it can also cause or exacerbate back pain?

Smoking depletes the oxygen in your cells, weakening your muscles and finally resulting in back discomfort. Additionally, it can lead to dehydration in your spinal discs, which is a major factor in the deterioration of spinal discs. Additionally, research indicates that back discomfort is three times more likely to occur in smokers than in non-smokers.

If you smoke and experience back pain, you might want to think about making an effort to stop.

7. Mental Health Back Pain and mental health

Although stress, worry, and depression are certainly not the first things that come to mind when considering the causes of your back pain, they can all result in physical pain that may eventually appear as back pain. Stress is also recognized to be a sign of back discomfort.

In addition, if you already experience pain, mental health problems might make it worse by lowering your pain threshold.

Pain associated with mental health can be lessened by dealing with these concerns in whatever way best suits your requirements, or by getting help if you’re unclear of what will work for you.