Back pain is not uncommon, and most people experience it at some point in their lives. Knowing the cause of your pain is a step ahead towards managing your condition. That is why you should seek accurate diagnosis and expert care from back pain specialists such as the team at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine. The team has extensive experience dealing with back pain in Westfield and can help you understand the cause of your pain. However, the following are simple tips to help you know the cause of your pain.
1. Consider Your Recent Trauma
If your back is aching, it will help to think about your recent trauma. You might be experiencing the pain if your body has been recently subjected to any trauma, particularly if it began suddenly, and you can trace it back to the trauma occasion. Trauma can occur in various forms ranging from a simple fall and working hard or to a car accident. Although some acute injuries heal independently, it would be advisable to seek medical attention, particularly if your pain doesn’t begin to subside after a few days.
2. Measure Your Activity Level
How you spend your day can cause back pain. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate how you have been active the entire day and what you have done to know what would have contributed to your painful condition. If you have spent too much time sitting, particularly at a chair using a computer, that is enough to cause your painful condition. However, you can bypass this by taking a break to stand and walk around or lying down where possible.
3. How Do You Sleep?
Sleep is healthy, but how you do it can cause health complications such as back pain. Therefore, if you woke up with your back aching, think about your sleeping habits or even your mattress. Some sleeping positions like sleeping on your stomach are worse for your back, and you might need to adjust and roll over on your back to improve your painful condition. You could also be using the wrong mattress or pillow, and you could have to change them for your relief.
4. Evaluate Your Foot Wear
Your footwear can influence your spinal health. Therefore, if you are experiencing back pain and you are not directly linking it to anything else, it might be those uncomfortable and unsupportive shoes. If you have been wearing high heels for a long time, they can cause your spine to be misaligned, causing back pain. However, it does not mean that flat shoes are the best option. They should have some arch support, or else they would be as bad as your high heels.
5. Think About the Heavy Stuff You Carried
Carrying heavy items can cause back pain, mainly if you do so for an extended period. Besides, even things you may not count as heavy such as your laptop bag and handbag can cause an imbalance in your spinal structure and cause stress and strain resulting in pain.
6. Consider Your Physical Activities
Physical activity is essential for your overall well-being. However, too much activity can cause back pain, especially if you exercise sporadically or are not physically fit. If you were engaged in sporting activities requiring repetitive twisting motions, it could also be the cause of your pain. Running can also produce back pain, mainly when done on an uneven surface.
As you seek a diagnosis from your doctor, you can use the above tips to know the cause of your pain and make your provider’s work easier.