If you’re one of the many Americans who experiences frequent back pain, you probably feel pretty frustrated. The first step to conquering this issue is determining why you have pain in the first place. The cause behind your backaches might not be what you expect. Here are some unexpected causes of back pain.

3 Surprising Reasons for Back Pain

1. Excess Weight

Being overweight can negatively affect many parts of your body, including your back. If you’re carrying around extra pounds, it can put strain on your lower back, resulting in pain. The best way to combat this problem is to get down to a healthy weight. Fill your diet with nutritious foods, like lean meats, fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and exercise most days of the week.

2. Stress

While it’s normal to experience stress from time to time, too much of it can do a number on your back. The muscles in your back can contract when you’re overwhelmed and begin to spasm. Stress also increases the levels of the hormone cortisol in your body, intensifying inflammation. To alleviate your back pain, you have to take steps to reduce your stress. For example, you can practice relaxation techniques, like yoga and meditation, and seek out support from others.

3. Improper Shoes

The shoes you wear can also have an impact on how your back feels. If you, for example, wear high heels frequently, your weight won’t be evenly distributed over your spine, causing discomfort in your back. Stick to shoes that firmly hold your feet in place and offer flexibility.

If you’re dealing with back pain, turn to physical therapists at Realhab in Parrish, FL. Led by Gayle Reed, this center provides the latest pre- and post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments in the field. They give all their patients a thorough evaluation and a detailed assessment of balance, strength, and flexibility and design a custom treatment plan based on their unique needs. For more information about their services, call (941) 776-5585 or visit their website.