Do you have back pain that is ruining your daily routine? Causes of lower back pain for women come in many troublesome forms. But there are simple ways to prevent your back pain, letting you hit the trail or attack that climbing wall with vigor.
Did you know that 80 percent of people have back problems at least once in a lifetime? The American Chiropractic Association reports that back pain costs Americans approximately $50 billion annually.
Our lifestyles are almost made for back pain these days, especially for women. From screen time to the latest fashion, the choices you are making daily certainly contribute to the causes of lower back pain.
Do you want to save money on back pain problems and be the healthiest and happiest you can be?
The following four simple ways to prevent lower back pain in women will leave you refreshed and ready to enjoy the coming spring and summer.
1. Screen Time One of the Top Causes of Lower Back Pain
If you’re a screen queen, you may be spending in excess of ten hours per day with your tech. More than ten hours is the average time people spend following media each day, according to a 2016 Nielsen study.
When using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, your neck is bent downward, your back is arched, your shoulders are slouched, and you are typically sitting. These are all causes of lower back pain.
To prevent these causes of lower back pain for women, take screen time breaks. This means getting up, walking around, stretching, and even closing your eyes for a few minutes to give them a break, too.
When working on a laptop, ensure the screen is at eye level to maintain proper posture, and adjust the screen’s brightness to match the surrounding environment to protect your eyes.
2. Fashion is a Back Breaker for Women
Did you know your flats could be one of the causes of lower back pain? Yes, those high heels have always been the accused, but other shoes can also be to blame for back issues.
Flats, sandals, and flip-flops all offer little to no arch support. Wearing them continuously can lead to back pain and back problems that hinder your daily routine.
To keep your back as fashionable as your shoes, choose ones with arch support. If you work on your feet all day, opt for comfort and support over fashion. You can always change your shoes for happy hour to avoid causes of lower back pain.
Your fashionable bag or purse is another culprit of back, neck, and shoulder pain. Women often tote around heavy bags and purses with thin shoulder straps, digging into the muscles. Keep weight and strap in mind for your spring and summer purse shopping.
3. Keep a Close Eye on Your Core
Strengthening your core is a powerful way to prevent potential causes of lower back pain, especially for women. It may seem counterintuitive, but incorporating fitness and targeted back exercises can help alleviate pain.
This holds especially true for women, since breasts can add an extra gravitational pull forward. It is, however, important to do the right exercises. Endless crunches are not always the best for strengthening your back and improving posture, and could be a cause of lower back pain.
Fitness trainer and wellness coach Rashelle Brown of NextAvenue explains that traditional sit-ups and crunches are often the worst exercises for individuals with back pain, regardless of gender. Brown recommends swimming, bird dog, and marching bridge as great alternatives.
4. Are You Sleeping on Your Stomach?
Sleep allows your body to heal and recharge for the day ahead. However, your sleeping position could be one of the causes of lower back pain. Women who practice stomach sleeping may snore less, but it can be problematic for their backs.
Researchers have found that seven percent of adults sleep on their stomach, according to the National Sleep Foundation. But this p.m. position does not allow your spine to rest in a neutral position. You also have more pressure on your muscles and joints.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends sleeping on your back to allow your neck, head, and spine to rest comfortably in a neutral position. There are, however, medical conditions that vote against sleeping on your back.
Causes of Lower Back Pain and Other Women-Related Health Issues
When it comes to causes of lower back pain for women, it is vital to talk to a doctor about the best prevention and treatment options for you. Women are indeed unique, and not all back pain prevention tactics work universally.
If you have lower back pain questions or other women’s health issues you would like to discuss, Your Doctors Online has the answers.
