Bad Habits That Cause Neck & Back Pain

Habits Hurting Your Neck & Back

Many aches and pains can be ignored during your everyday routine, those affecting your neck and back can stop you right in your tracks. While some discomfort can be attributed to a specific injury, there are everyday habits that can wreak havoc on your spinal health.

Poor Posture

Although we’re all guilty of slouching every now and then, persistently poor posture can be detrimental to your middle back. When you have proper posture, your spine is able to effectively distribute pressure to the different areas of your spine. When you slouch, you can put additional strain on your thoracic spine.

To practice better posture, be sure to hit the following points:

• Keep your shoulders down and back without forcing them.
• Keep your head, shoulders, and hips stacked.
• Get up and stretch regularly to lengthen the spine.

Spending Too Much Time on Your Phone

In the age of technology, it’s no secret that we all spend time looking at our phones and other smart devices throughout the day. However this habit can alter your posture and place strain on your upper and middle back that can lead to unwanted aches and pains.

To combat this issue, try to minimize the time spent looking down at your phone or tablet. Another excellent solution is to bring your device to eye level rather than looking down.

Carrying a Heavy Bag

Whether you carry a backpack purse, or even a tote back—carrying too much stuff can hurt your back. It is recommended that the bag you carry shouldn’t exceed 10% of your overall body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, your back should always be less than 15 lbs.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance—it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.