There are numerous risk factors associated with back pain. However, this does not mean that those apparently free from any risk will not experience back pain. Nearly 85% people suffer from back pain during their lifetime. Understanding the risk factors connected with back pain can save many of us from the problem.
Aging
As we age, our spine goes through a lot of wear and tear. Over a period of time, it can result in disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, or some other back condition. These conditions lead to neck and back pain. People between the age of 30 and 60 are more likely to have disc-related back problems. People above the age of 60 are more likely to experience back pain due to osteoarthritis.
Occupational factors
If your job requires you to constantly bend and lift weight, you are at a greater risk of back injury. If your work demands you to stand or sit for a long period of time, you are again at risk of developing a back trouble. Construction workers, barbers and nurses often suffer from some type of back problem.
Heredity
Certain back problems are hereditary. For instance, degenerative disc disease is in some way related to genetics. Those born with a deformed spine will experience back related problems.
Poor Lifestyle
Lack of exercise can lead to back problems. It has been seen that excessive weight can cause lower back pain. People with poor lifestyle often gain weight resulting in back trouble.
Poor Posture
Sitting or standing the wrong way can cause back pain. For instance, if you are constantly slouching over your desk, you are more likely to experience backache at some point.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on a woman’s back. Pregnancy can cause back pain in women.
Smoking
It has been found that people who smoke are at greater risk of suffering from back pain than those who do not smoke.
Other risk factors associated with back pain include:
• A previous back injury makes you more prone to back pain
• If you have had a compression fracture of the spine
• Have had a back surgery
• Being a male
Risk Factors You Can Reduce
The fact is that not everyone has to suffer from back pain. There are certain causes that we cannot do anything about. For instance, if you are pregnant you cannot avoid back pain. If your back pain is hereditary, you cannot escape it.. However, there are certain risk factors that you can control. Treatment and lifestyle changes can help you rule out some of the risk factors.
Regular exercising makes the back strong and reduces the risk of back pain. If you are overweight, you can always work on reducing your weight to avoid back pain. Overweight can cause muscles to become weak and put lot of pressure on the back.
Standing and sitting in the right posture will ensure that your back does not suffer. Bad posture can cause low back pain. Stress can also lead to back pain. By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce a lot of stress and hence reduce the risk associated with back pain.
Certain medications can cause back problem. For instance, corticosteroids can weaken the bones if taken for a long period of time. Talk to your doctor if you feel that your medication is causing back pain.
If your job requires you to pick heavy weight, you should try to lift weight using the right technique. This can greatly reduce the risk of injuring your back.
Back pain is quite common and maybe this is because we do not properly take care of our back. Taking proper care of our back can help reduce our back problems to a considerable extent.