About 8 out of 10 people are affected by back pain. Many people will live with it for years with no relief. Back pain can come on from an injury or it can be the result of carrying too much weight. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing back pain at one time or another. Just because you have experienced some pain, it does not mean you have to continue to live with it. There are many ways to help relieve the pain you are suffering from. Pain medication, surgery, and even homeopathic remedies can help heal your back and relieve the pain altogether. Unfortunately, what you are currently doing could be setting you back from getting better. Here are three mistakes you may be making that is worsening your back pain.
Depending on Your General Physician
Your primary physician is not an expert on spinal matters and will only be able to help with your back pain but so much. While they can prescribe you pain reliever and offer you exercises to perform at home, they may not be able to tell you what the root of the cause is for the pain. Instead of expecting your general doctor to help take the pain away, you want to ask for a referral to a back specialist. A chiropractor or a spine specialist can help treat your back pain effectively.
Smoking Cigarettes
One of the biggest ways to hinder relief from back pain is by smoking. Smoking can actually reduce your body's ability to heal itself. When you do hurt your back and continue to smoke, you may find that your back will not heal as quickly as it has in the past. In return, you will have the pain much longer. Smoking can also increase your risk of sciatica. Because smoking can block certain nutrients, the discs in your lower back will not be able to retrieve these nutrients and cause you pain.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes
The wrong type of shoes can further increase the pain you are experiencing in your back. High heels can throw your alignment off and cause your back to hurt. Additionally, flip flops and other flat shoes do not provide the support you need. It is important that you find a pair of shoes that offer an ample amount of support and ensure that the soles are not worn. Worn soles will take away the support you need even in the most comfortable pair of shoes.
