When you’re young, pain is a minor part of your life. You might occasionally scrape your knee or get an upset stomach but, for most of us, that’s about it.
However, as you get older, you soon discover that pain is more of a companion than you’d like. It seems to creep up on you and, before you know it, you’re sighing everytime you get out of a chair.
Usually, though, it’s the little things that cause these types of chronic pain, sustained over a long period. Here are some of the little-known lifestyle factors that might be the cause of your discomfort.
Weight Gain
Gaining weight is a leading cause of pain. Additional strain on your body’s core structure puts you at risk of joint pain, fatigue and muscle problems.
Obesity also changes the biochemistry of your body, reducing the rate at which it can repair itself. If you spend long periods in an obese state, it can eventually lead to conditions, such as osteoarthritis or crumbling bones – not what you want.
Sleeping Wrongly
If you sleep in the wrong position, you are putting yourself at higher risk of neck and back pain. Placing your head too low down, sleeping on your front or having the wrong mattress can all lead to discomfort.
The problem is that most of us don’t realize we’re sleeping with poor posture. After all, we’re unconscious.
The best way to get out of this habit is to go to sleep in the preferred position and then tell yourself, that’s how you’re going to stay.
Being Too Sedentary
The human body isn’t meant to be as active as a honey bee, but it does need some movement to be at its best. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how much but, like at least two hours, spread over the course of the day.
As you’ll know if you had kids or work in a full-time job, getting that level of activity is virtually impossible. You’re either chained to a desk or have mouths to feed.
However, there are ways that you can incorporate movement into a hectic schedule. Things like cycling to work, walking meetings and doing outdoor leisure activities with family can all help.
Repeated Movements At Work
Many people repeat the same movements over and over again at work. They’re either bending down to pick things up, operating the same machinery or even tapping at a keyboard.
Unfortunately, the body doesn’t like doing the same movements over and over. It wants variation. That’s why it is so critical to take a break from repetitive tasks from time to time.
Improper Posture
Lastly, improper posture is a leading cause of back pain. If your spine is bent all the time and you don’t stand up straight, you’ll put unnecessary pressure on the vertebra. This, in turn, will lead to muscle balances and problems with the discs in between over time. After twenty years or so of poor posture, you’ll begin to feel the effect markedly.
Therefore, before it’s too late, think about learning the perks of seeing a chiropractor who may offer additional guidance on maintaining good posture and easing related discomfort. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help you avoid future health issues and treat current back pain and posture concerns.
So, which of these little things are you doing every day? And how are they affecting your sleep?
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