A bad back can be caused by sitting down for long periods at a desk, tension, stress and also rushing around all the time. You maybe an architect or web designer where you are required to sit at a desk for long periods of time. Scheduling down time is important and you can do this more easily when you have alternative comfortable furniture to sit in. Creating an attractive alfresco space with comfortable outdoor furniture is a good way to enjoy some relaxation, but you must make sure you use it. All the quiet havens in the world won’t help you relax if you don’t spend time there.
If you have a bad backache it can really make your life miserable, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. A bad back can prevent you from participating in sports, going shopping, walking for your health, and even sleeping well. It can stop you from being able to sit comfortably for any length of time, thus interfering with important relaxation.
While there are many causes of bad backs, the most likely are sleeping on a mattress that is old and does not support you in the right place or sitting on a lounge or computer chair that does not give your back the proper support. It is really essential to find out what is causing the problem and address it, to ensure your health is as good as possible.
Being in pain can cause your blood pressure to rise and this can put more stress on your body and cause other health problems. If your back is worse when you first get up in the morning – and you don’t suffer from rheumatoid arthritis – then suspect your mattress as the culprit and get a new one with better support.
If your back feels better in the mornings, but gets worse during the day you need to look at what you are doing.
- Lifting toddlers
- Carrying a toddler on your hip
- Sitting in a chair that is not designed for your size and shape
- Using a computer chair that’s not right for you
- Bending too much – e.g. gardening
- Doing work your body is not suited to
- Being under stress that makes your muscles and ligaments tight
Some of these things are easy enough to fix. You can always get an ergonomic chair, but be sure it is the right size for you. Make sure your lounge suite is one that supports your back. And buying another mattress can make a big difference too. Maybe a physiotherapist or a chiropractor could make a difference with their specific techniques.
If these simple things don’t help it is always a good idea to consult your doctor to make sure there is no underlying problem, such as arthritis.