If you fall and hurt your back in some way, you’ll likely see what your doctor has to say. But this is less likely to be the case if your discomfort develops over time because of poor posture habits, and it’s surprisingly common for people to brush off the related aches and pains as “normal.” Still, no degree of spine-related discomfort should be considered normal or acceptable, especially since there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Over time, poor posture habits can damage your spine, causing back muscles to weaken and potentially leading to long-term issues that may require treatment such as back fusion alternatives. Los Angeles residents who are experiencing spine discomfort should continue reading to discover a handful of subtle signs of damage to your spine that could be related to your posture.
1. Noticing Discomfort when Sitting or Getting Up
If sitting for long periods or getting up from a seated position is something you dread, it may be because of added stress and strain being placed on your lower back. Poor posture can exasperate this type of discomfort by:
• Overstraining spine-supporting soft tissues enough to cause inflammation
• Weakening supporting muscles you’re underusing by overstraining other ones
• Causing structural damage within your lower back area
2. Stretching Far Too Often
Normally a good thing, stretching can be a sign of poor posture as well. This can happen if your poor posture is causing certain parts of your spine to become stiff or painful. You may then find yourself habitually stretching to get relief. However, if you’re not adjusting your posture, any relief you may experience will likely be short-live
3. Depending on Pain Medications to Get through Your Day
Over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory drugs only mask the true source of spine-related damage. If you’re depending on such medications just to get through your day, know it’s not normal to need to do this. It can also be a sign that your posture habits are constantly aggravating certain structures or soft tissues.
4. Avoiding Previously Enjoyable Physical Activities
If spine damage related to posture is affecting your backbone in some way, you may find yourself shying away from previously enjoyable activities. For instance, you might stop playing certain sports or avoid some activities because of a fear of triggering painful symptoms. An awareness of your pain triggers may also cause you to change how you walk or move.
5. Experiencing Back Pain while in Bed
Posture-related spine damage can also make it difficult to get to or stay asleep. This can, in turn, contribute to a lack of sufficient sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep at night is important because this is the time when your body naturally heals and rejuvenates itself. Disrupting this process can leave you with discomfort that’s much more noticeable and disruptive when you’re awake.
Because of the potential for spine damage related to poor posture, it’s best to see your doctor or a Los Angeles spine surgeon to get an official diagnosis. Taking this step also gives you a chance to get more specific advice about steps you can take to improve your posture and ease stress on your spine and its parts.
The spinal health experts at The Spine Institute know what it takes to keep your spine healthy, and that includes taking care of your posture and the structures that support your spine. If you’re experiencing pain in your back or neck, it may be due to poor posture, so see us for diagnosis and treatment. Call one of our friendly representatives at 310-828-7757 today to schedule a consultation.