Back Pain FAQ

Are you suffering from back pain, but you don’t know why? Are you unsure of how long this pain will last, and what you can do about it? Then read on, and learn the things you wanted to know about back pain, but hurt too much to ask.

Why am I in pain?

There are numerous causes of back pain. A common one is bad posture. Improving your posture will often stop the pain you have been experiencing. Bad posture habits are usually learned during childhood, and trying to break them as an adult can be extremely difficult.

Exercise activities like yoga are great for strengthening your core and making it far easier to stand up straight. As your posture improves, you will likely notice decreased pain in your back. Another possibility is that the mattress you are sleeping on is causing or worsening your back pain. This is likely the case if you often wake up with a sore back.

While it won’t be cheap, it’s a good idea to invest in a mattress that provides you with the support you need. Although it is often thought that a super firm mattress is best for your back, research has proven that a medium firm mattress is better for you. Of course, there a number of other causes of back pain, but these two are very common.

What can I do about it?

The best cure for back pain is to prevent it altogether. Avoid placing stress your back when lifting heavy objects by employing a correct lifting technique. Ensure you bend at the knees and not the waist, so as not to strain your back on the way back up, and check before lifting that the object is a manageable weight for you.

Inactivity can also cause pain in the back. A lack of exercise makes the back become stiff and weak and causes it to be vulnerable to injury. If you can, try to take regular breaks at work to go for a walk, and instead of crashing in front of the TV after a long day, try taking up yoga, pilates, or another form of gentle exercise that isn’t too strenuous, but will allow you to strengthen your back.

While this probably hasn’t answered all your questions, hopefully it has increased your knowledge, and given you some useful tips on how to deal with your back pain.