Recovering from back pain isn’t always easy, as different problems call for different treatments. Back pain is unique to the individual, and should be treated as such. That said, most back specialists will agree that there are certain actions you should avoid no matter what type of back pain you’re dealing with. Today, we’re going to shine some light on five actions that can actually make back pain worse. Despite your best efforts, you may actually be hurting your chance of making a full recovery from back pain if you’re performing any of the following activities.

Too Much Rest

People tend to take it easy when they suffer a back injury, and that’s great, but only for a day or two. You need to strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your back, otherwise you’re only going to delay your recovery. A little rest is good, but too much can be harmful.

Overdoing It

On the opposite side of the spectrum, trying to work through a back injury like nothing happened can also make back pain worse, and it can even be dangerous. If your pain is caused by a nerve or disc issue, ignoring the pain can make the condition more severe. Additionally, if pain flares up at the wrong time, like while you’re climbing a ladder or carrying boxes down the stairs, you could suffer an even more serious injury. Listen to your body after a back injury, and take it easy for a day or two.

Poor Posture

Great posture isn’t always the most comfortable, but slouching or contorting your back at an odd angle can put excess stress on certain parts of your body. When you compensate for pain, another area of the body often shoulders more than their normal load, and this can lead to problems in that area as well. So be conscious of your posture when you’re sitting at your desk, when you’re driving in the car or when you’re in your favorite armchair. You’ll be amazed at how minor changes to your posture can work wonders for your spine.

Your Pets

Although Spot may be man’s best friend, your dog could actually make your back pain worse. Whether you run with your dog for exercise or walk them around the block, if they are a larger breed that gets excited by the outdoors, they might pull at the leash. This can jolt your arm and in turn, your back. If you are dealing with back pain and you know your dog is prone to dashing after squirrels and rabbits, it might be a good idea to let a family member exercise your dog for a few days.

Junk Food

Poor eating can exacerbate back pain in a number of ways. For example, foods that are high in refined sugar or carbohydrates can lead to bouts of inflammation in your spine. Instead, reach for fruits and a variety of vegetables. Additionally, high-caloric foods can lead to weight gain, and that means your spine will be asked to shoulder more stress. Watch your diet, and your back will have a better chance to heal quickly.

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