How Lifestyle can Contribute to Low Back Pain

Lumbar spine pain is typically attributed to a handful of common conditions. These include repetitive straining, reaching, pulling, bending, and twisting motions. Each of these motions requires proper body mechanics to avoid unnecessary injury and wear-and-tear on the spine. However, there are factors beyond body mechanics and posture that can contribute to low back pain. We’ll discuss some of them here.

About Lumbar Spinal Injuries

An injury to the low back can cause years of discomfort and limited mobility. So can wear-and-tear. It is important to see a doctor for back pain that lasts more than a week or so. An examination and appropriate imaging, if necessary, can identify which components of the back are affected. Examples include the ligaments, discs, bones, and muscles. An exam can also estimate the extent of damage.

The aging process is often identified as a trigger for lumbar spine problems. Lifestyle may also play a role. In this instance, it is usually that lifestyle exacerbates the existing problem. Back conditions that can get worse with certain lifestyle factors include:

• Degenerative disc disease, the condition in which the cushiony discs between spinal vertebrae shrink due to lack of water content.
• Herniated disc, the condition in which the soft center of a disc pushes through a crack in the disc’s outer shell.
• Lower back strains and sprains are more likely to occur with improper lifting and may also result from a lack of proper muscle strength to support the lumbar spine.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT LUMBAR CONDITIONS

Common factors associated with lumbar spinal conditions include:

• This factor works in two ways. First, overuse and overexertion, especially during strength exercises, can injure the low back. Second, a lack of moderate exercise can lead to degeneration of the spinal structure.
• This habit reduces oxygenation of the blood and bodily tissues, including the spinal discs. Smoking also introduces carbon monoxide into the blood and body. So not only are tissues not getting the nutrients they need, but they are absorbing toxins.
• Studies have shown that people with diabetes, either Type I or Type II, are 35% more likely to develop a lumbar spine problem.

DON’T LIVE IN PAIN

Fact: It is not possible to eliminate the risk of lumbar spine problems. Fact: If you have a lumbar spine problem, you do not have to live in pain. At Innovative Spine Care in Tampa, you can explore modern, minimally-invasive treatments to resolve pain quickly. Call 201.342.8060 to learn more