What Causes Back Pain?
The back is a very complex and, as one would imagine, complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, and these will all inevitably lead to back pain. It is no mystery that sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain. Sometimes the simplest of movements-for example, picking up a pencil from the floor- can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
Proper posture for a healthy spine
It can be argued that a person's posture indicates the health of one's nervous system and spine. Slouching and a forward leaning head posture restricts lymphatic drainage in the neck and causes more strain on posterior neck muscles.
Another problem connected with long periods at the computer is a forward tilt of the pelvis. This tilt causes excessive anterior weight bearing of the lower curvature of the spine and associated muscle weakness.
A continued sitting/bending forward position can result in chronic lower back pain, sciatica, muscle pain, leg weakness, circulation problems of your lower extremities and more. Abnormal spinal weight distribution from this type of posture can also lead to premature spinal arthritis of your discs and joints, plus loss of movement and disability.
Here are some tips that will help to prevent back pain. Taking care of your back and spine before you have problems will greatly reduce the potential for back pain. Be sure to:
- Exercise Regularly
- Use A Chair That Has A Backrest Or One That's Ergonomically Designed
- While Seated, Keep Your Feet On A Foot Rest Or Flat On The Floor
- Position Computer Monitors At Eye Level
- Sleep On A Firm Mattress Or One Recommended By Your Physician
