5 Everyday Items That Contribute To Spine Pain
Category: Spine Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
Your spine works hard on a daily basis, but sometimes we can overstress our spine without even realizing it. In fact, there are a number of daily accessories that can contribute to the onset of spine pain. Below, we take a look at five things you’ll often come across in your daily life that can lead to back pain.
Your Cell Phone
Almost every teen and adult have a cell phone on them throughout the day, and most times they don’t use the best posture when texting or checking their phone. A lot of people have their phone in their laps when checking their phone, and that requires you to bend forward with your neck. When your neck is out in front of your body, it puts a lot of strain on your cervical spine. This can lead to a condition known as text neck, which we explain in more detail in this blog. Avoid leaning forward with your neck when using your phone, and try have it out in front of you where you can check it with your spine still in alignment.
Your Wallet
Your wallet often sits in your back pocket, and when you’re seated, this can shift how stress is distributed along your spine. This can put undue stress on certain areas and lead to disc problems. If you’re going to be seated for a while or if you’re driving, take your wallet out of your back pocket so stress can be more evenly dispersed along your spine.
Your Purse
A purse, like a wallet, can throw off how stress is displaced on the spine. For example, if you have a heavy purse and wear it over one shoulder, you are going to be handling more stress on that side of the body. Regularly switch which side you carry your purse on, and consider decluttering it from time to time so it’s not so heavy. Your spine will thank you for it.
Your Car Seat
Taking your wallet out of your back pocket isn’t the only thing you should do when you’re driving. You also want to make sure that your seatback is upright and shifting your spine into a healthy posture position. If you have the seatback reclined, most of the stress of your upper body is going to be channeled to your lumbar spine. If it helps, consider putting a small pillow or towel behind the small of your back when driving to help shift your spine into a healthy position and to avoid slouching.
Your Computer
If you work at a desk all day, or you simply like to unwind with your laptop at the end of the day, be sure that your posture is in alignment when you’re on your computer. We have a natural tendency to lean forward when working on a computer, and just like your cell phone, that can put undue stress on your cervical spine. Find a supportive chair to sit in when working on a computer and try to keep your head positioned directly over your shoulders so that you’re not overstressing your spine.
