Five common habits that hurt your back and their prevention tips!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Having a back pain can interfere with the most basic, day-to-day tasks. Back pain is a very common complaint and can be triggered by everyday activities at home or work, and not just by back injury or spinal problems.

Here are five such habits that are killing your back:

Lifting heavy objects

One of the most common problems for back pain is lifting, pulling or dragging heavy objects incorrectly.

Tip: Make sure that you bend your hips ans knees to squat down, and then pick up the things. Also, avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

Prolonged sitting

This is one culprit that can worsen or damage your back. In fact, sitting puts 40% more pressure on your spine than standing. If your job involves sitting for long hours, your chances of haing a back pain is higher.

Tips: Try to get up from your seat every hour or take frequent breaks.

Driving for long hours

Long distance driving can put pressure on your back, specially if you sit in the same position for long hours at a stretch.

Tip: Maintain a correct driving posture by ensuring that you sit at a 90-degree angle, close to the wheel so you don't have to stretch. Also, take frequent breaks to ease the pressure on your back.

High heels

You probably must have read this - wearing high heels can make your back ache along with your feet. Both high heels and flip-flops can lead to foot instability, which in turn affect your back.

Tip: So, even if you love wearing high heels, make sure that you don't walk long distances in them.

Soft mattresses

Sleeping on soft mattresses may initially make you feel very comfortable, but the lack of support can lead to lower back pain.

Tip: This doesn't mean that you'll have to opt for a very hard mattress, which can also lead to severe back pain. Try finding one that is neither too hard nor too soft.