There are a lot of everyday habits that can make back pain worse beyond the original causes of your discomfort. Some of these include poor eating habits, wearing unsupportive or unbalanced shoes, poor posture, lack of exercise, and sleeping on an old or worn-out mattress. Some of the reasons these habits can affect your back may seem obvious, but they are also easy to overlook in our everyday routines. By recognizing and making small adjustments to these five habits, you may be able to reduce discomfort and better support your overall spine health.
Lack of exercise and poor posture can often be improved by taking breaks from sitting for long periods of time and making sure you get some form of activity throughout your week. You don’t have to train intensely or dedicate hours of your week to a specific sport or workout routine. Something as simple as a brisk walk, light jog, stretching, or a yoga session can help keep your muscles active and your body moving. Regular movement can also help improve flexibility and strength, which are important for supporting your spine. Wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support can also affect your walking mechanics and cause you to compensate in other areas of your body, potentially placing additional stress on your hips, pelvis, and lower back.
Surprisingly, an older mattress can also contribute to back discomfort. Over time, mattresses can lose some of the support they provided when they were new, which may make it more difficult to maintain a comfortable sleeping position. While there is no specific mattress that works for everyone, having a sleeping surface that provides adequate support and allows you to sleep comfortably can be beneficial for your back. Ultimately, making small adjustments to your daily habits can go a long way toward reducing back pain and supporting overall spinal health, helping you stay active, comfortable, and supported each day.
