Many adults suffer from back pain caused by daily habits and lifestyle choices. If you experience frequent back pain, an orthopedic doctor can treat these aches and possibly prevent them from occurring in the future. Here are five common causes of persistent back troubles to avoid.

Why People Experience Back Pain

1. Sitting

Many people sit for hours at a time at work, while driving, or even when relaxing at home. Sitting places constant pressure on the spinal discs, which can cause back pain. Orthopedic doctors encourage patients to get up to walk and stretch every half hour; this lowers the pressure on the spinal discs. 

2. Flying 

When your ears pop on an airplane, it’s not just your sinus system that’s adjusting. Going to different altitudes also pressurizes your spinal discs, which can be painful. Consider stretching and walking the aisle every half an hour or so to reduce the pressure on flights.

3. Sleeping

It’s common to wake up and immediately feel discomfort as you get out of bed. Don’t write these pains off as aging or activity-related soreness. You may be sleeping on a problematic mattress. Most orthopedic doctors recommend a medium-firm bed because it will support the head, neck, shoulders, and hips to promote spinal alignment. Replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years to ensure it offers the comfort and support you need.

4. Experiencing Arthritis

People of all ages can experience arthritis, but it’s more common among seniors. This condition can cause back pain in the lower spine that makes sitting, standing, and lying down difficult. Applying heat, changing positions frequently, and taking over-the-counter medications that reduce inflammation are common treatment methods. 

5. Using the Phone

Many people place their phones on their shoulders and hold them in place with their ears. This position allows them to complete everyday tasks, but it can also create neck and back pain. It’s also common for people to lean forward when looking at their phones. This also misaligns the spine and can cause long-standing back pain that requires professional attention. Pay attention to your posture when using your phone. When making calls, consider using hands-free methods like the speaker setting.

If you’re dealing with everyday back pain, contact Orthopaedic Associates Of Rochester in Rochester County, NY, to learn how their orthopedic doctors can help. Call the Ridgeway Avenue location at (585) 723-3000 for information on their treatments, including same-day care for fractures, joint dislocations, and accident trauma.