Millions of people across the US experience back pain and the same question is always asked: what is the reason behind this type of pain? Well, in many cases, back pain can appear without any underlying cause.
One of the most common causes for back pain is having poor posture, as it causes imbalances in the load on various parts of the spine. So, although poor posture doesn’t necessarily cause acute pain, over time, a poor posture can lead to stiffness, weakness, and stress on muscles, tissues, joints, among other symptoms. Let’s go over what poor posture can bring as a consequence.
What is Poor Posture and How Does it Cause Back Pain?
A bad or poor posture is any non-neutral body position that, in the long term, can cause several effects on how you sit and stand, and result in back pain and soreness. There are different types of poor posture, which can be caused by different factors, from age, to bad posture habits caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Let’s go over some of them:
Forward Head or Tech Neck
This posture involves the head being in front of your body’s vertical midline. This type of hunched-over posture is what so many people assume to be the consequence of the time spent on cell phones, computers, and tablets. In this case, pain typically starts in the neck before spreading to the shoulders and back. Not visiting a pain management doctor so as to correct this bad posture puts patients at risk of experiencing chronic pain and muscle spasms.
Kyphosis
In this case, we are in the presence of patients who round their shoulders forward, creating an exaggerated curvature of the upper back. Kyphosis often affects patients with osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis, slipped discs in the spine, and those who have experienced an injury to the spine. Additionally, aging is also a common cause of kyphosis. When left untreated, kyphosis can lead to breathing difficulties due to pressure on the lungs.
Poking Chin
This posture results from sitting on a chair that is too low for your desk or computer screen. Unsurprisingly, this posture is frequent among office workers. A poking chin posture typically presents symptoms, including shoulder and upper back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Flatback
Flatback is a condition caused by a loss of curvature in the lower spine, and is a characteristic that is present since birth. At the same time, it may also result from arthritis, compression of the vertebrae in the spine, or degenerative disc disease.
Swayback
On the contrary, a swayback posture results from the pelvis being tipped forward. This posture is commonly linked with low back pain, and it also often occurs concurrently with kyphosis. In addition to causing back pain, untreated swayback can cause hip injuries, and neck and shoulder pain.
Back Pain Management in The Woodlands, Texas
If you are experiencing back pain due to poor posture, it is essential to seek medical attention. In The Woodlands, Texas, Dr Nash’s Progressive Pain and Rehabilitation clinic is ready to answer all of your questions, evaluate and assess your case and give you the best therapy to manage and relieve your pain.
By working with us and taking self-care measures, you can effectively manage and relieve back pain and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment today and live a pain-free life!
346-220-8063