Does your upper back hurt?
This can have a serious effect on your life. Back pain causes Americans to miss work more than any other reason does.
You can injure your back in a number of ways. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to fix it.
Sometimes you can pinpoint the source of your pain after an accident or clear injury. But often the pain creeps up from a chronic cause.
Or, it may come from a slight jarring that you don’t remember. It can take time for swelling to occur and create discomfort.
Read on to learn four common reasons for upper back pain and tips to feel better.
1. Poor Sleep
Sleeping awkwardly can cause strain on the muscles in your neck and back. Align your spine while you sleep to protect it from injury.
Sleep flat on your back for the best alignment. If this does not work for you, then position yourself on your right side with straight legs.
Place a pillow beneath your head and neck, but let your shoulders hit the mattress. Place another pillow between your knees so your back feels good from top to bottom.
2. Bad Posture
Poor posture does not only appear sloppy. It actually creates real physical problems.
Hunching your shoulders and rounding your spine weakens muscles, creates tension, and compresses your nerves over time. Begin fixing this issue by correcting your posture.
Lift your shoulders and rotate them towards your back, hold your head high, and make sure your joints all align. Chiropractic adjustment can help you correct your posture and ease the pain.
3. Carrying Stuff
We often turn to our shoulders and back when we need to lug things around without occupying our hands. This can strain your muscles and mess up the alignment of your upper back.
Bookbags even out the load if you properly adjust the straps. But carrying around an overloading backpack every day will take its toll.
Purses also play a role in causing back pain. They sit across one shoulder or the other, unevenly distributing weight. Even a light load will irritate the muscle and move things around over time.
4. Obesity
Extra weight on the body puts extra strain on the muscles joints and ligaments. If you struggle with obesity, then even simple movements can lead to injury.
Losing some of the excess weight will help you relieve some of your pain. Eat low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods.
Stay active with yoga and other exercises. This will also strengthen muscles which can also alleviate some of the pain.
If you find losing weight difficult, see a chiropractor. They can help you with a diet plan and make spinal adjustments that may improve your metabolism and digestion.
Correct the Reasons for Upper Back Pain
Many reasons for upper back pain exist. Many of them come with easy corrections and preventative measures for the future.
We understand that your wellness impacts everything in your life and want to help. Find more helpful hints on our health page!
