Dealing with the causes of back pain is something that we all experience at one time or another. This discomfort may stem from an overly strenuous job, poor posture, or simply the natural progression of aging.

What you may not realize, however, is that a seemingly normal part of your day-to-day life could be a key contributor to your back pain. Making slight adjustments in your daily routine can significantly decrease your overall pain levels.

Here are five surprising causes of back pain and what you can do to reduce it.

1. A Chunky Wallet

Have you ever thought that your bulging wallet could be one of the unexpected causes of back pain? Continually sitting on a chunky wallet in your back pocket can disrupt your posture, throwing off your spinal alignment. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, muscle strain, or even nerve compression, which are all sources of back pain.

The discomfort may seem insignificant at first, but don’t let that fool you. The long-term effect of repeatedly sitting with a chunky wallet can lead to chronic conditions, including sciatica or other lower back pain conditions. The solution to this problem is to consider either reducing the bulk of your wallet or opting to carry it in a front pocket or bag.

In general, you want to avoid putting anything thick in your back pocket, including your phone.

2. Too Much Inactivity

Inactivity is another unsuspecting cause of back pain. When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your back muscles can become weak and less flexible, leading to discomfort and even injury over time.

Don’t underestimate the power of simple movements to combat this. Take regular breaks to walk around and stretch throughout your day. There are numerous spine health exercises available that you can do at the office or at home that are designed to maintain your back’s strength and flexibility.

3. Dehydration

You may be surprised to learn that dehydration is another factor that can contribute to back pain. The discs between our vertebrae rely on water for their health and shock-absorbing abilities. If we become dehydrated, these discs can become compromised, leading to back discomfort or even injury.

It’s critical to maintain adequate hydration for your overall health, including the well-being of your back. To maintain optimal hydration, it’s recommended that men consume about 15.5 cups of fluids per day, while women should aim for approximately 11.5 cups. .

4. Your Feet

Sometimes, the source of back pain might be literally underfoot. Your feet serve as the foundation for your entire body, and issues with them can impact your posture and alignment, causing back discomfort. Conditions such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis can significantly affect your gait and weight distribution, leading to additional stress on your back.

Fortunately, there are remedies to address these problems. Proper footwear and custom orthotics can offer necessary support, correct alignment issues, and ensure proper weight distribution. Regular foot exercises may also be beneficial. By focusing on the health of your feet, you can make strides towards reducing back pain.

5. Anxiety and Stress

It’s not only physical factors that can contribute to back pain, but mental and emotional stressors can also play a significant role. Anxiety and stress trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to muscle tension, especially in the back. Over time, this constant tension can result in chronic back pain.

Addressing this type of back pain requires a focus on mental well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress levels and relax tense muscles. Professional help, like therapy or counseling, can also be valuable. By managing stress and anxiety, you can alleviate their physical manifestations, including back pain.

Avoid These Causes of Back Pain

Back pain should always be taken seriously, as your spine is one of the most important parts of your body. Pay attention to any signs of problems, and treat any causes of back pain as soon as possible. 

Busch Chiropractic Pain Center in Fort Wayne can help you deal with your ongoing pain struggles. Our services cover neuropathy, chiropractic care, and more. Contact us with any questions and to set up an appointment to help relieve the causes of back pain.