The 12 Bad Habits That are Killing Your Back

crunches

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9. You Love Your Crunches

Don’t get us wrong, exercise is good for you, but sit-ups and crunches do more harm than good when it comes to your back. Although it is true that a strong core protects your back, crunches don’t actually work the abdominals that will help to stabilize your back. You don’t have to stop doing crunches altogether, but do them slowly and be sure you are doing them properly. Work on exercises that will support your back and give you overall stronger core muscles.

 

10. Your Bed is an Antique

When we are talking about your bed, we really mean your mattress. If you have no idea how old your mattress is, it’s probably time to replace it. A good mattress will last 10 to 15 years. However, if your back is hurts every morning or feels as if it’s out of place, or if you can’t seem to get comfortable, then you need a new mattress.

If you do decide to try a new mattress, pretend you are Goldilocks. Don’t pick a mattress that is too hard or too soft. Although many people think that a really firm mattress will help their back, that is not always true. A really hard mattress can increase pressure on your back and make the pain even worse.

 

SEE ALSO: Top 12 Best Herbs for Dealing with Back Pain Naturally

 

11. You Hate to Workout

Moving your body will actually alleviate many aches and pains and that includes back pain. Studies say that 40 percent of people will be less active after they have a bout with back pain, which can actually make things even worse. When you first experience back pain, most people need a short time to rest, but then they need to get moving. In fact, just frequent walking will ease back stiffness and loosen up the joints.

 

12. You Hold a Grudge Forever

It might not seem as if this has anything to do with your back, but it really does. Duke University Medical Center conducted a study and found that 58 subjects who had chronic lower back pain experienced much less anger, depression, resentment, and back aches once they began practicing forgiveness.

It seems our emotions and thoughts can directly influence the strength of our pain signals. Remember, forgiveness does not mean that you forget. But by replacing feelings of anger and resentment with understanding towards someone, you aren’t giving them anything per se, but you will be giving yourself some terrific pain relief.

References:

Eurpub.oxfordjournals.org

Sciencedirect.com

Onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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