Bad Habits That Worsen Your Spine Pain

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, in 2019, 39% of the American adult population experienced some form of back or spine pain. 

At Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists, we want to help you minimize spine problems and back pain. Dr. Krishna Chunduri and our team diagnose, treat, and manage your spine symptoms, drawing from a wide range of modalities to provide effective and lasting relief. 

Sometimes, it’s easy to pick up habits that worsen your spine pain. Let’s look at a few of these so that you can consider changes to your lifestyle to help ease your back pain episodes. 

Sources of back pain

Given the complexity of the spine and its supporting tissues, pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions or injuries. Most of these issues affect the lower back (lumbar spine) or the neck (cervical spine). 

Spinal pain is common in the lower back and neck due to the load concentrations these areas support. Strains and sprains of soft tissue like ligaments, muscles, and tendons are common due to overexertion. These injuries cause pain, stiffness, loss of motor function, and muscle spasms. 

Nerve compression is another common cause of spine pain. This occurs when some form of dysfunction compresses or irritates nerve tissue, particularly the nerve roots branching off the spinal cord into the body. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis are often to blame, as are bone spurs caused by arthritis. 

Bad habits that worsen your spine pain

Sometimes, spine pain is unavoidable. However, by reviewing certain habits, you may find places where you can relieve additional strain on your back. Consider these habits and how they might be causing you pain. 

Sitting (or standing) for too long

Your body is made to move. Therefore, staying in a single position for too long (as many hobbies and jobs require) significantly burdens an already injured back. So, try altering your position every 20 minutes or so. 

Stand if you’re sitting, or sit when you’re standing. If your tasks permit, walk around briefly. 

Slumping postures

Some tasks encourage posture imbalances when not rectified with frequent breaks. Add a quick posture reset during movement breaks. Do your best to maintain optimal positioning when sitting or standing.  

Sedentary lifestyle

While changing positions is a great start, boosting the amount of physical activity in your day offsets the time you’re stationary. There’s no need to join a gym or develop an extreme (and unrealistic) workout regimen. Add 30 minutes, five days a week, of moderate activity like bicycling, swimming, or walking to keep your body balanced. 

Lose weight

Even a few pounds lost can relieve significant force from the curved portions of your spine in the back and neck. So, consider your eating habits and try to make some healthy changes. 

Still need help finding relief for your back pain? Visit Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists for a consultation and examination. We’ll create a treatment plan that relieves the pain. You can reach us by phone or online, so book your session today.