6 Causes Of Backache

1.Weak muscles, due to lack of exercise. The body’s muscles work together as a unit. The upper torso is held up by the shoulder muscles and upper back muscles (trapezius and lats) as well as the pectorals or chest muscles in front. The lower torso is carried by the abdominals in front and the lower back muscles. It’s important for an exercise plan for back pain to work on not only the major back muscles, like the erector spinae, lats and trapezius but also muscles in the front of the body. The abdominal muscles are very important as they help to support the weight of the trunk and so keep the spine and upper body straight. The abs comprise the internal and external obliques down the side of your waist, and the six-pack muscles or the rectus abdominus, that run down the middle of your abdomen.

2.Lack of flexibility in the back muscles. A poor range of movement, also caused by inactivity, can result in back pain when you perform a movement outside of your normal range of motion. For example, if your lower back muscles are tight and you make a sudden twisting motion, you can strain those muscles. You need to stretch the muscles of the back to increase your range of motion.

3.Tight chest, shoulder or hamstring muscles. Because the body is a unit, you must stretch connected muscles as well as the back muscles. The hamstring muscles are attached to your pelvis and will, if tight,pull on the pelvis, causing rounding of the lower back. This can lead to back pain. Stiff shoulder muscles will likely cause neck and upper back pain. The chest muscles are connected to the shoulder so will pull on the shoulder if tight and will cause shoulder and neck pain.

4.Poor or incorrect posture. Most of us sit for long periods, whether at work, watching TV or driving a car. Incorrect posture while walking or standing can cause backache. eg rounded shoulders can cause upper back pain. The best way to improve posture is exercise to strengthens the postural muscles.

5.Moving your body incorrectly. Everyday actions like getting into and out of a car seat or sitting down at a desk are also important to be aware of. Keep your spine straight and don’t twist your body. A common way of pulling and straining back muscles is whilst picking up objects, which most of us have done. When picking up heavy objects, the legs should take the weight and not the back.

6.Obesity. Being overweight puts an undue strain on the back. Overweight people are also usually less flexible, with a smaller range of motion, so that sudden movements are more likely to cause strains and pain.