by Bad habits like chewing your nails, talking with your mouth full, and picking your nose might be distasteful, but chances are they won’t lead to stiff lower back pain.
Slouched sitting postures and a number of other bad habits CAN easily tweak your back. That’s what inspired me to write this article.
To help you break bad habits that lead to stiff lower back pain, I want you to take a mindful moment and review the following list.
6 Bad Habits That Lead to Stiff Lower Back Pain
Bad Habit #1 – Hauling That Heavy Bag
If your bag weighs 30-40 pounds, it’s like carrying a 4-year-old around with you, and believe me, that can twist your back and make you look like the leaning tower of Pisa. As a result, you might want to rethink your travel accessories.
What’s the solution?
De-clutter and lighten your load.
Bad Habit #2 – Sleeping On That Old Bed
If your mattress is over ten years old, it’s time to dump it and buy a new one. Sleeping on an old mattress is bad for your back and will sustain your bad posture.
What’s the solution?
Investing in a memory foam pad can be a decent quick fix and help support your back simultaneously.
Bad Habit #3 -Wearing Those High Heels
Wearing high heels over arches the back, so it has to work harder to keep you upright. Pump bumps, stress fractures, sprained ankles, and plantar fasciitis is all conditions that could result from wearing high heels.
What’s the solution?
Be kind to your back and feet and swap those 5-inch heels for some flats or wedges like the orthaheel. If you’re too attached to your heels, check out these four effective solutions for foot pain.
Bad Habit #4 – Back Pocket Blues
Take that bulge out of your butt. No, I’m not talking about some weight loss gimmick. I’m referring to those individuals, usually men, that keep their wallets in their back pockets. It’s convenient and easier to access than keeping it in the front. So what’s the problem, right?
Well, ever heard of sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs through this powerful little muscle in your butt called the piriformis. If you stow your wallet in your back pocket and sit for hours at a time, you could be impinging your sciatic nerve, and you know the end of that story.
What’s the solution?
Toss those old receipts, expired CVS coupons, and other superfluous stuff, and trade your thick wallet for the Big Skinny. Most of all, don’t forget to put it in your front pocket.
Bad Habit #5 – Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting all day hunched over your computer like Quasimodo can weaken your core muscles and take a toll on your back muscles.
What’s the solution?
Frequently getting up and walking around will give your back a break from all that compression in your lower spine. Stretching and exercising your core and back muscles regularly will prevent future back spasms from occurring.
Bad Habit #6 – Smartphone Syndrome
Smartphone users, myself included, frequently contort themselves into the human question mark position like Rodin’s Thinker, with their head-down, shoulders hunched in a curve, as their thumb and fingers plug away.
What’s the solution?
Read these 4 Tips to Prevent Smartphone Syndrome
In conclusion, it’s essential that you recognize bad habits and replace them quickly before it leads to a back problem.
If you’re already dealing with stiff lower back pain and searching for ways to get rid of it, I’ve put together a series of highly targeted exercises that should help. Click HERE for a Free Copy of 9 Exercises to Erase Low Back Pain!
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