Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Even though spine pain is one of if not the most common pain condition in the world, it doesn’t mean that back pain is normal. Acute injuries to our spines, like if we fall off a ladder or pinch a spinal nerve hauling boxes, are obvious ways that we injure our backs, but millions of Americans are treated each year for spine problems that aren’t so easy to pinpoint to a specific instance.

One of the most common causes of spinal problems is due to years of stress from poor posture. You probably won’t notice that your posture is the problem until the issue is further along in severity, so it’s important to look for the subtle signs that could suggest your spine could benefit from some attention now so that a bigger problem isn’t waiting for you down the road. Below, we take a look at five subtle signs that your posture is contributing to a spinal issue.

Subtle Signs Of A Spinal Problem

Here’s a look at five subtle signs that there may be a bigger issue at play in your spine that deserves your attention.

1. Pain When Seated – If you’re finding it hard to get comfortable on the couch, or you dred a long ride in the car, your lower spine may be overloaded from how you’re sitting. Pain when seated is not normal, and you should work to strengthen your lower spine.
2. Consistently Stretching – Stretching is a great way to avoid spinal muscle stress that can develop when they stay in the same position for long periods of time, but if you’re constantly trying to stretch to alleviate back pain or stiffness, it could be a sign that your posture has worn down your spine health over the years.
3. Relying On Pain Meds – If you are relying on pain medications to help get you through the day, know that this isn’t normal and you should consult with a spine specialist to get to the bottom or your pain and work on finding a solution.
4. You’re Not Doing Physical Activities You Love – Instead of a physical symptom from an action, if you’re choosing to avoid certain activities because you fear back pain, it’s a subtle sign that you should have the issue examined. Don’t let back pain dictate your life.
5. Back Pain In Bed – Finally, if back pain is making it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep, it’s a sign that you may be dealing with a posture-related spinal issue. Bedtime is supposed to be a relaxing time for your body, but if your spine feels like it’s pulsing or throbbing at the end of the day, you should actively treat the problem.

If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.

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