Back pain can be detrimental and can affect the way that you perform everyday activities. It can negatively affect your home life, your work life, and your social life. While back pain is sometimes caused by conditions and diseases, it can often be caused by simple habits that you are doing on a daily basis, like not standing correctly, sitting for a long period of time, wearing the wrong types of shoes, and lifting improperly. Recognizing these habits and correcting them will often greatly reduce the pain you are experiencing.
Posture
Posture is very important when it comes to feeling comfortable. You should always use your feet and legs to hold the full weight of your body, but weight can sometimes be distributed incorrectly onto your back. Always be sure to stand using correct posture. If you are in an office position and you sit for long periods of time, you may be more susceptible to back pain. You can reduce this pain by making sure to take small breaks where you are able to walk around and stretch the muscles of your back. Finding an ergonomic chair or a balance ball will also help reduce pain in the back caused by sitting at a desk for too long.
Shoes
While many individuals do not think much about their shoes other than the way that they look on their feet, shoes are one of the most important articles of clothing you can wear. They can change the way that you stand, and improper shoes can cause you to have severe back pain. Make sure that the shoes you wear have the proper heel height and fit your feet in both length and width. It is a good idea to go to a professional shoe fitter to make sure you have the right type of shoes for your job, for your weight, and for the type of feet you have.
Lifting
Small factors, such as the amount of weight that is carried in a purse or briefcase, can affect the way that you stand. When you are carrying something, be sure to distribute the weight evenly to avoid harming your back. Keep your bags as light as possible. When you bend down to pick something up, use your legs to lift rather than putting the strain on your back.