Bottom Line:
It's been estimated that over 90% of us will deal with low back pain at some point in our life. So, you may be wondering why. What causes most of us to deal with lower back pain? How we move our body, previous injuries, and the habits we do (or don't do) each day can play a huge role in either increasing or decreasing your risk of an aching back.
Why it Matters:
Low back pain occurs when joints of your spine become overloaded beyond normal limits. This can happen in an instant (lifting heavy weight incorrectly) or can happen over a long period (poor posture, too much sitting). Most of us try to remember to use proper posture when lifting heavy items. But, did you know the risks associated with sitting? Researchers have recently discovered that long periods of sitting may be as harmful as smoking. Extended periods of sitting increase your risk of back pain by de-conditioning the muscles supporting your spine. Studies have also found that sitting can contribute to health concerns like increased blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
- Low back pain can happen in an instant due to an injury, or it can creep in over a long period due to your daily habits.
- Extended periods of sitting are one of the top reasons for not only back pain but also health issues like obesity and heart disease.
- Taking a proactive approach with a daily exercise routine and stretching at work can help you reduce your risk of encountering low back pain
Next Steps:
Paying attention to how you move your body is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of back pain. Your job may require you to be at a computer all day, but that doesn't mean you can't take positive steps towards better health. Standing up every 30 minutes, stretching at lunch, and having a comfortable lumbar support are all ways to increase your energy level while decreasing the likelihood of experiencing back pain.
Science Source:
What are the risks of sitting too much? Mayo Clinic 2018