What Increases Your Risk For Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is a common condition that is often triggered by a combination of factors. While you may not be able to control these factors; you can certainly try and steer clear of activities and things that increase your risk of suffering from the condition. Read on to find out more.

The most common causes for lower back pain include muscle strain, overuse or an injury to the ligaments and muscles that support the spine. At times, it may also be triggered by an underlying illness or a spinal deformity. A risk factor for back pain doesn't directly cause the condition though, and instead increases your chances of developing the problem.

There are several things that can increase your risk of suffering from lower back pain. Some of these you can change; others you can't. The most common unalterable risk factors include advancing age, being a male, a family history of back pain, a previous back injury, pregnancy, compression fractures of the spine, previous back surgery and congenital spinal problems.

Fortunately, there are several risk factors that you can alter and thereby, secure for yourself a pain free existence. Minor lifestyle changes and medical treatment could help you keep lower back pain away for an indefinite period of time.

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common risk factors of back pain. An irregular or non existent workout routine could increase your chances of suffering from the condition considerably. The only way to mitigate this risk is to lead as active a lifestyle as possible with a regular and effective exercise routine.

You're at definite risk of lower back pain if you're participating in jobs or activities that require you to bend, twist or sit for long periods of time. Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, constant vibrations or driving certain types of heavy equipment, can also up your chances of developing the condition.

Overweight people are typically more susceptible to back pain and other similar conditions. Excess body weight- especially around the waist- can put extra strain on your back, leading to pain. Plump people are also more likely to be in a poor physical condition with weaker muscles and reduced flexibility and are therefore, more vulnerable to lower back problems. You should lose weight at the earliest possible to avoid this risk factor.

Constant stress may also increase your risk of suffering from lower back pain. Experts believe that stress and other emotional factors have a definite role to play in low back pain; especially of the chronic variety. Stressed out individuals are also more likely to tighten their back muscles due to anxiety and as a result, make themselves more susceptible to the ailment.

Other alterable risk factors include smoking, poor posture and long periods of depression. Stay away from all of these to protect yourself from the ravages of lower back pain.