Is My Posture Causing My Back Pain?

Many different issues can cause back pain. In some cases, it is possible to remedy the pain by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, your posture can cause back pain. Poor posture can cause instant pain and long-term pain. This happens due to changes in the spine and pressure on the muscles, joints, and discs. 

Changing your standing, sitting, or walking style can improve your posture and reduce back pain. Before you think about getting surgery for your back pain, find out if your posture is the cause. 


 

Understanding Poor Posture


Poor or unsupported posture can cause incorrect dispersing of the loads on the spine. This weakens the lower back tissues. When this happens, pain sets in after pushing the network of joints, muscles, and discs in the back beyond their limit. 


A sudden injury resulting from lifting something heavy incorrectly can also lead to back pain and dysfunction. Several postural habits can lead to back pain. Poor habits while sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, and lying down can affect your posture. 


 

Habits That Lead to Poor Posture


Several habits lead to poor posture. The habits include sitting slumped or slouching on a chair, working while lying on your belly, and hunching forward when working. Others are standing with the body weight placed on one leg and walking while hunched. 


Poor posture can also result from lifting heavy objects while bending the back. Using incorrect actions can lead to back pain. Lack of activity or a sedentary lifestyle can cause stress and pain in the lower back. 


 

Poor Posture Causing Back Pain


Poor posture causes the development of different areas of stress within the spinal joints, muscle tissue, and discs. In some cases, correcting the poor posture can relieve the stresses. But in many cases, the stresses can continue, which slowly weakens the affected structure. 


Prolonged hunching can strain the core, back, and abdominal muscles and cause pain. This reduces the blood supply and leads to the development of lower back stiffness and weakness. Incorrect lifting can cause herniation of the lumbar disc, leading to back pain.


 

Maintaining Good Posture 


It takes time and awareness to change a habitual incorrect posture. Maintaining a good posture while sitting, walking, and lifting is vital, and it has long-term benefits. You should walk while looking straight ahead and with the head balanced. 


The spine needs to be straight, and the shoulders relaxed. Sitting with proper back support and at the right angle is important. If you spend long hours in the office, choosing the best ergonomic chair can help.  


 

Visiting a Chiropractor


Consulting a chiropractor is the best way to find out if your posture is causing your back pain. If you are suffering from back pain, visit a chiropractor for a proper diagnosis. The chiropractor will help detect the cause of the pain and recommend the best treatment. If your posture is causing the pain, the chiropractor will come up with a therapy plan to help ease the pain. Some exercises improve posture. 


A chiropractor can offer tips on changing habits that affect your posture. Learning how to stand, sit, lift, and walk correctly will help improve your posture.



To know if your back pain is because of your posture, visit The Spine Clinic at our office in Salem, Oregon. You can call (503) 362-5555 today to schedule an appointment.