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Achy back? You’re not alone.
We’ve all dealt with pain in the lower back at some point, whether it be dull aches or sharper pains, and it can sideline us not only from exercise, but from our day-to-day today activities.
In fact, at any given time, 31 million Americans experience low back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. This isn’t especially surprising considering that everyday activities — like driving, sitting at a desk and even sleeping — can place strain on the muscles in the back.
What causes lower back pain?
Discomfort in the lower back can be a result of tight or weak muscles.
Tight muscles can cause pain and soreness. The glutes, hips and hamstrings attach in and around your spine. So if these muscles are tight, it can cause low-back pain. Everyday activities that we all engage in, like sitting at your desk, driving or even lying on the couch or in bed can contribute to tight muscles. Being in the same, crunched position for long periods without stretching and strengthening can cause the muscles to shorten — which can cause pain.
Weak muscles can cause pain, too. If, for example, you have weak core muscles — which tend to be small in size — other, larger muscles will take on the work of keeping your body moving. The combination of overusing some muscles and underutilizing others can create imbalances that cause a lot of discomfort.
Injury to the bones and muscles in or near the low back can also cause pain, as can some health issues that may seem unrelated — like endometriosis.
How to relieve lower back pain
Moving more throughout the day and incorporating core-strengthening exercises can help strengthen your back and abdominals and prevent back pain. Stretching your lower back can make a big difference, too.
Yoga is another great way to release tension and tightness…
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