The word spine denotes a central axis or support, or a segmented and stiff part of something, such as the part of a book or the hard parts of a leaf. The human spine is no different, and it serves as the central structure for the upper body, connecting your head to the rest of your body, and supporting many other bones — like your ribs, collarbone, and pelvis.
We rely on our spines to perform so many different tasks, so it’s no surprise that we deal with back pain as a result. This pain can come from chronic conditions, acute injuries, and other issues, but how much of it comes from things we overlook — such as the lifestyle choices we make?
Here, Dr. Lalani and our team at Irfan Lalani, MD, PA, explore this question by examining some basic facts about back pain, its common underlying causes, and how everyday activities (or the lack of them) can contribute to the problem.
The spine is vital to how your back works: It’s connected to a vast number of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that together enable most physical movement, like bending, stretching, turning your torso, and staying upright when you want.
Back pain can stem from aggravating any of these parts, and up to 90% of Americans deal with some type of back pain at some point in life. An estimated 2% of the nation’s workforce deal with it on a daily basis. Back pain can vary by location, with several conditions located in either the upper, middle, or lower spine.
Pain in the back is very common and is frequently caused by problems like:
These are just a few of the possible causes of back pain; a comprehensive exam with Dr. Lalani can help pinpoint the underlying reason for your back pain problem.
There are key aspects of your lifestyle that directly affect your spinal health and determine the kind of back issues you’re likely to have. These include:
This covers a lot of ground, as the lack of physical exercise and general movement harms the body overall, but it also promotes weight gain, which stresses the spine. However, even if you’re active on a regular basis, improper movement or lifting can lead to an acute back injury like muscle strain.
How you walk, stand, sit, and sleep makes a lot of difference in your spine’s stress levels and functionality. Bending and sitting in certain positions, slouching, and rounding your shoulders can hurt your posture and eventually your back.
What you eat can affect your back, especially if you eat an unhealthy diet that promotes weight gain and puts increased stress on your spine. Also, if you don’t eat enough of the foods that support healthy bones — like low-fat dairy products, leafy green vegetables, eggs, fatty fish, and various vitamin supplements — your spinal strength may suffer.
If you wear shoes that are too tight or have heels that are too high, they can affect your posture and how you walk, effectively setting the stage for a persistent back pain problem.
This habit is bad for many reasons, but among them is the effect it has on your back. The nicotine in cigarette smoke restricts the flow of blood in your spinal discs, which can lead to rupturing or cracking.
Many everyday habits can affect the health of your spine; when they lead to pain, Dr. Irfan Lalani and our team are here to help. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at Irfan Lalani MD, PA, in Sugar Land, Texas, today.
