3 Sneaky Things That Could Be Causing Your Back Pain

Pretty much everyone over a certain age (and now even under that certain age) has felt the annoyance and misery that comes with back pain. Back pain used to be something that was associated with older people, but with the predominant lifestyle that most millennials lead, they're no strangers to back pain either. Whether it's a dull ache after hours of sitting on a desk or a sharp twinge that comes out of nowhere when you're lifting something barely heavy off the ground, back pain can come anytime - and there are many sneaky factors that could be contributing to it.

1. Your cute flat shoes

Yes, you read that right. Heels aren't the only thing that can throw your back into an uncalled for spasm. You might love those ballet flats and think of them as a saving fashion grace when you have to walk around all day and can still look stylish; but think again. Your ballet flats, or any flats, with very thin soles aren't made in a way to absorb any shock at all when you walk on hard ground. After a long day of walking around, the lack of shock absorbing shoes can cause your back to hurt.

2. Your phone

Not very happy to hear this one, are you? Your phone, as a matter of fact, is probably one of your worst health enemies. But that's a whole different debate. As far as the pain in your back region is concerned, your phone is a solid offender too. Tilting your head down and looking at your phone can cause some major stress to your neck. On average, a human adult head weighs about 4-5 kgs. Your neck is a pro at balancing that weight, but imagine having to hold it in place at that certain tilted down, forward leaning angle for hours at end. It can double or even triple the pressure on your neck, causing a great strain on your neck.

3. Your wallet

While it's more widely known that carrying a heavy shoulder bag can cause back problems, guys often think that they're safe just because they aren't lugging a purse around. Instead, they have their wallet, neatly tucked into their back pocket and their hands free. Well, there might not be such great news for men - your overstuffed wallet sitting in your back pocket can result in back pain too. No matter what's making your wallet thick and bulky, remember that you're sitting on it. A thick wallet causes your body to tilt slightly to one side and therefore puts more pressure on one side. You end up sitting asymmetrically and placing more pressure on your muscles. Not the best thing for your posture, and definitely not the best for your back.