What’s Causing that Backache?

Is your back disturbing you? Backaches are getting more common especially among those with white collar jobs who sit down for up to 8 hours a day. Most of the back issues are related to our lifestyle. Here are some habits that are likely to cause you a backache:

1. Sitting: How many hours are you sitting in a day? Some of us are sitting for up to 10 hours. With such a lifestyle, it is only a matter of time before your back begins to complain. Avoid sitting for more than one hour without taking a break. Get up and walk around for a few minutes. Go to the bathroom or consult with a colleague. That brief break could go a long way in saving you from backaches. What sort of chair are you sitting on? An ergonomic chair is highly recommended. It has an arch which supports your spine. Even a normal chair can be improved by adding a back support piece which is readily available in the market. Avoid stooping forward when you sit, instead aligning your back with the curvature of the seat.
2. High Heels: If you keep wearing high heels and walking around for long, your back will soon protest. High heels shift your balance and push your pelvis forward, and the back has to strain in an effort to keep you stable. High heels look good, but the impact is often not pretty. Avoid them when you have to walk around or stand for long. Have a pair of comfortable shoes that you can change into when need be. If you still need to add some height, wedges are a friendlier option.
3. Mattress: Did you know that the quality of your mattress can affect your back? Your back requires firm support while you sleep. When your mattress is too soft, your back arches and sinks in. You’re likely to get up with a stiff back, feeling like you didn’t get any rest at all. Keep turning your mattress to avoid the formation of a depression at the middle. If you can, get a springy mattress. This type can go for years without forming that dent. A new mattress may be quite costly but is a worthy investment for the sake of your back.
4. Pregnancy: As the weight in the uterus pushes forward, the back has to strain to find a balance for the entire body. The third trimester is specially taxing since the weight is at its highest. We have pregnancy support belts which resemble a baby carrier designed to support the belly and reduce the strain on the back. Fortunately, pregnancy backache is temporary and hardly persists past delivery.
5. Old age: Old people tend to stoop forward, putting a lot of strain on the spine. Simple remedies like a walking stick can improve the situation slightly.

You may not be able to avoid a backache entirely, but you can at least take some measures to ensure that your back stays healthy for the longest time.