Habits that hurt your back

Has your back been hurting lately? Are you guilty of any of these habits? If so, you might try switching things up a bit!

1. Sitting for too long. Sitting puts 40% more pressure on the spine than standing. Try stretching every 30 minutes.

2. Having your car seat at a bad angle. Your seat should be at a 90 degree angle. Try moving the seat so that reaching the steering wheel and the pedals isn’t a stretch.

3. Skipping exercise: 40% of people cut exercise when their back hurts, however, walking, stretching, and yoga can help with healing.

4. Overloading your purse or briefcase. Heavy bags can imbalance the shoulders. Keep in mind that the maximum safe weight is 10% of your body weight.

5. Eating an unhealthy diet. Clogged arteries are a major back pain culprit. Excess weight also takes a toll on the back.

6. Sleeping on an old mattress. A worn out mattress causes your spine to sag. Keep your back healthy by replacing your mattress every 5-7 years.

7. High heels. Back muscles have to work harder when you wear high heels. Try adding a cushioned insole and don’t walk long distances.

8. Letting stress build up. Anger and stress cause muscle tension in the back. If you are stress or angry, consider talking to your doctor about stress and anger management techniques.

9. Watching too much TV. If you watch more than 15 hours of TV a week, you are increasing your lower back pain by three. Cut your viewing time and stretch during commercial breaks.

10. Ignoring back pain. Back pain can get progressively worse. Make sure you seek treatment to prevent further injury.

I hope these tips help!