4 unexpected causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common types of body aches. These pains can be dull and uncomfortable, but at times they can be intense and affect mobility. Prolonged sitting and poor posture are common causes of lower back pain. However, there are many other less obvious causes.

Older adults are at high risk of lower back pain. This is because aging causes the vertebrae to stiffen and become less flexible, cartilage wears down, and the amount of synovial fluid that lubricates the joints decreases, according to the medical website Medline Plus (USA).

An unhealthy diet can cause lower back pain.

Unexpected causes of lower back pain include:

The mattress is too soft.

A good mattress should be able to support the body while lying down, especially the back. Lying on a mattress that is too soft can cause weight to be unevenly distributed across the back and lead to persistent back pain.

A study published in The Lancet suggests that sleeping on a mattress with medium firmness can help improve lower back pain in people with chronic pain.

Doing too much housework

A study published in The Spine found that doing too many chores like laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, or carrying heavy loads while shopping can cause lower back pain. This is because these tasks require bending over, putting pressure on the neck and back. A good way to reduce this pressure is to find a small chair and squat while doing these tasks.

Wear high heels

A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that women tend to experience more lower back pain when wearing high heels. This is because high heels cause the foot to tilt and stretch the muscles and joints in the foot out of balance, causing the lower back to bend and bear more pressure when moving. The result is lower back pain.

Poor nutrition

A diet high in processed foods and sugar can increase inflammation in the body and cause pain in certain areas, including the lower back. To prevent this, people should limit processed meats and sugary foods, and prioritize healthy foods such as lean meats, beans, vegetables, brown rice, and other whole grains, according to Medline Plus.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-nguyen-nhan-it-ai-ngo-toi-gay-dau-lung-duoi-185241123200626348.htm