Why Do I Have Back Pain? (And What Should I Do About It?)
Have you been experiencing back pain lately and you’re unsure of the cause? Your everyday routine may be contributing, everything from working to sleeping. Here’s how to alleviate pain and get on with your life!
Manage Your Stress Levels
Just like physical stress, emotional stress can take a toll on your back. A stress hormone known as cortisol is triggered in the body by stress. When this horomone is released, it can cause pain and tension in the back and shoulder muscles. To ease stress and feel better, try mood elevators such as meditation, deep breathing and exercise. Relaxing your mind often leads to a relaxed body, too.
Check Your Sleeping Habits
Many people aren’t aware that sleeping on your stomach can cause back discomfort.
Lying on your stomach puts great pressure on your muscles and joints for long periods of time. Sleeping on your side or back allows your spine to remain in a neutral, elongated position. Also, check your mattress. Some choices may be too soft and others too firm; both can result in a sore joints and back pain.
Don’t Sit All Day At Work
At your 9 to 5 job, you may feel glued to your desk. This puts stress on your back and is a common contributor to bad posture. To counteract this slump, get moving during the day. Check your posture and correct it every time you start to slump. It can be helpful to set an alarm to remind you to get up and walk around. Use your lunch break as a time to go for a walk and get your blood flowing. Lack of movement over any length of time can be very detrimental to your body. It is crucial to spine health to get out of your chair.
Strengthen Your Core
A weak core often results in back problems. Your core is a major source of stability for the back. If your core is weak, minor movements can hinder your spine. To increase your core’s strength, adjust your workout routine to include lunges and planks, both of which target the muscle groups that support the spine.
If you have addressed all these areas and are still experiencing back pain, it may be time to visit a chiropractor. At Next Level Wellness, we have a variety of modalities that can not only alleviate pain, but can also heal your body and prevent additional damage.
Our team of wellness doctors, Vasili Gatsinaris, DC, QME, James Kim, DC, Adam Abulghualya, DC, BS, ART and Caprice Leonard, MA, ATC specialize in chiropractic and wellness care. Our Irvine chiropractic office is located near John Wayne Airport, convenient for people living in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana and other surrounding Orange County communities.
Let our Orange County chiropractic team make a plan to treat your injury so that you are not restricted from your active lifestyle. To learn more about our variety of services or to schedule an appointment, take advantage of our new patient special and contact us or call 949-263-9003 today.