6 Causes of Back Pain You Never Saw Coming
Back pain is something most people will experience at some point in their lives. Often, back pain simply goes away without incident, and no cause is ever understood. When back pain becomes chronic in nature, it can disrupt a person's life and make it difficult for them to participate in those things they love doing. Sometimes, there are surprising reasons for back pain that most people would not even consider being the culprit.
When a person continues to suffer in pain, discovering the underlying cause is essential for being able to find proper relief. While most people know the common conditions that cause back pain, there are some unexpected causes that surprise people. Once a person discovers their cause of pain, they can often make the necessary lifestyle changes to curb their back pain and help them get back to living their normal life. Keep reading to learn about the six causes of back pain most people never see coming.
1 - Binge Watching TV Shows
Most people are going to be somewhat shocked when they consider their television viewing habits could be a source of their back pain. While it may seem completely relaxing stretching out on the couch for a binge run of their favorite TV series, lying around on the couch leaves a person's spine in a vulnerable state. Those soft cushions may feel comfortable at first, but they can actually relax the supporting muscles of the back too much, leading to lower back pain. Getting up for a few stretches and exercises every hour can help to prevent the pain.
2 - Depression
Believe it or not, the mental health of a person can have a great impact on the function of their body. When someone is dealing with depression, even mild cases, they are more likely to experience back pain. Individuals who are dealing with depression often experience a high level of stress, which can cause profound muscle tension. Muscle tension can lead to a great deal of pain in the upper and lower back. Learning to reduce stress is important for pain relief.
3 - Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Stones
Urinary tract infections can sometimes cause lower back pain. Although the pain is stemming from the inflammation in the bladder, it can radiate to the lower back. Urinary tract infections will often lead to burning during urination, increased urination, and dark-colored urine. When stones develop in the kidneys, often due to an untreated UTI, pain can also occur in the back. If back pain is accompanied by fever, changes in urine color, or burning, it is time for a trip to the doctor for testing and treatment.
4 - Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Many people are shocked to learn the type of shoe they wear can have a big impact on their back pain. Certain types of shoes, such as high heels and non-supportive flip-flops or sandals, do not fully support the foot properly, which can cause the body to be in the wrong alignment. When the angle of the body is changed by the shoes, this leads to uneven weight distribution, which can cause a person to begin suffering from back pain. Wearing a supportive flat with shock reduction padding can do wonders for a bad back.
5 - Excess Weight
The more weight a person carries on their body, the better the chances of them developing chronic back pain, due to the stress placed on the musculoskeletal system. It does not take much excess weight for problems to begin. Carrying a mere ten extra pounds can cause the pelvis to be angled improperly, placing pressure on the spine and lower back. Those who are overweight can help their back pain by working to shed those excess pounds and increase the strength of their core body muscles.
6 - The Wrong Mattress
Sleeping on an old, lumpy mattress is a no-brainer for developing a painful back, but even a new mattress can cause back pain if it is the wrong one. A mattress that is too soft will allow the spine to come out of alignment during the night and place pressure on the soft tissues of the back. An overly firm mattress does not conform to the curves of the body and can lead to discomfort. Ideally, a person should choose a mattress that is supportive and comfortable, without being overly rigid or soft.
