What’s Causing Your Back Pain?

Do you often find yourself walking around like a pregnant woman, holding your lower back in an effort to get rid of the persistent dull ache? Or is it a sharp, stabbing pain between your shoulder blades that ails you? 

Whatever type of back pain you have, it is helpful to know what is causing it, so you can do something to stop it. There are a number of causes, and pinpointing the exact problem may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end.

“Sit Up straight!”

Without wanting to sound like your mother, you should make an effort to sit or stand with your back straight, and not just at the dinner table. Bad posture is a very common cause of back pain, and improving your posture will often stop the pain you have been experiencing.

For many people though, it’s not as easy as just sitting up straight. Bad posture habits are usually learned during childhood, and trying to break them as an adult can be extremely difficult. Exercise is the best way to improve your poor posture.

Activities like yoga and pilates are great for strengthening your core and making it far easier and less painful to stand up straight. As your posture improves, you will likely notice decreased pain in your back.

Your Mattress Matters

The mattress and pillow you are sleeping on may be 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.

Choosing a pillow that supports your head and neck is also important, because stress on these areas can lead to pain not only there, but in your back as well. Making sure your pillow is the right thickness for you so your spine is as straight as possible while you sleep is a good start, and if you are still experiencing pain you may want to look into specialised pillows.

These are just two of the many possible causes of back pain. If you improve your posture and change your mattress and pillow and still find you are in pain, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor.