5 Unexpected Activities Which Affect Your Lower Back And Cause Pain

March 29, 2019 | By: Raleigh Orthopaedic Team

Lower back pain is more common than you think.

Up to 85% of Americans suffer from back pain at some time in their lives. According to American Physical Therapy Association’s survey, nearly 40% of adults in the USA state that lower back pain (LBP) has affected their capacity to engage in everyday life tasks (39%), physical activity (38%), and sleep (37%).

Lower back pain causes

The very unpleasant and common problem of lower back pain is often easily explained. Sometimes you know that you haven’t been lifting with your knees or have been hunched over your desk for a long time at work…or maybe you realise that the way you play sports is not that safe.

But there are some surprising reasons why your lower back may be suffering, or a pre-existing condition has flared up. We have collected 5 surprising activities which affect your lower back, causing you suffering and discomfort. Maybe it’s time to change some of your habits you didn’t know affected your body that much?

Lower Back Pain

1. Back pain caused by back-pocket wallets

It is a very common condition – so common that it earned its own name – hip-pocket syndrome, wallet neuropathy, or Costanza Wallet Syndrome.

According to menshealth.com, when you sit down with a wallet in your back pocket, it alters your posture, twists your hips, compresses your spine and may make it lose its natural alignment. The wallet can also put pressure on the piriformis muscle which aggravates the sciatic nerve and may lead to sciatica.

2. Lower Back Pain caused by the use of cellphones

Americans use over more than two trillion minutes of wireless time each year, according to the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry. Cell phone use with improper posture can cause you to arch your neck and hold your body in an uncomfortable posture. Long periods of time in an awkward position holding your cell phone can lead to lower back pain.

3. Lower Back Pain caused by the use of backpacks or computer bags

Backpacks and computer bags seem to be an efficient and ergonomic way to carry your belongings, especially the heavy ones. Sometimes we use them incorrectly throughout the day; according to the Spine Health Institute, this extra weight may cause lower back pain. Heavy backpacks and computer bags are believed to increase lumbar disk compression, lumbar curvature, and muscle fatigue, all of which can lead to back pain.

4. Lower Back Pain caused by smoking

Smoking should be probably at the top of this list, as it is possibly one of the most surprising causes of lower back pain. The adverse health consequences of smoking are many and you probably know most of them. What you may not know is that one of the negative side effects of smoking includes chronic pain. Smokers report greater pain intensity and a greater number of painful symptoms in comparison to nonsmokers. The reason is probably that smoking decreases the flow of oxygen to active muscles and can therefore make them weaker and more prone to experiencing pain.

5. Lower Back Pain caused by flip flops and sandals

Light footwear may be fashionable, but it may cause serious  back problems. It is very important to watch what you put on your feet, if you want to help your back.  The problem with sandals and flip flops is that they don’t provide the arch support or offer stability for your feet, hips, and back.

Lower Back Pain

Spine surgeons in Cary

For comprehensive low back pain care, you may get a referral to Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, or make an appointment on your own. The team of experienced spine surgeons in Cary, provide world-class, cost-effective lower back pain treatment through our team of well-educated professionals, and support personnel.

To schedule an appointment at our Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic,  please call (919) 863-6996.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.