Back pain is one of the most common health complaints among adults, often caused by daily habits, poor posture, or a lack of movement. While occasional discomfort may seem minor, chronic back pain can significantly impact your overall quality of life. The good news is that many causes of back pain can be reduced or avoided through simple lifestyle adjustments. By being proactive and mindful of how you move and care for your body, you can help protect your spine and maintain better long-term comfort. Here are four lifestyle tips that can make a meaningful difference. Maintain Proper Posture Throughout the Day Good posture plays a critical role in preventing back pain. Slouching while sitting, hunching over a computer, or leaning to one side while standing puts unnecessary strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting your spine. Over time, this can lead to discomfort or chronic pain. Make a habit of keeping your shoulders relaxed, your spine aligned, and your feet flat on the floor when sitting. If you work at a desk, adjust your chair, monitor, and keyboard so that your workspace supports proper posture rather than encouraging poor alignment. Lift Objects Safely and Mindfully Improper lifting technique is a common cause of sudden back injuries. Whether you’re picking up a heavy box or simply lifting a laundry basket, always bend at the knees rather than the waist, keep the object close to your body, and engage your core muscles as you rise. Avoid twisting your spine while lifting, as this increases the risk of strain. If an item feels too heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for help or divide the load into smaller parts. Create a Healthy Sleep Environment The way you sleep has a major impact on spinal health. A supportive mattress and pillow help maintain proper alignment during the night, reducing pressure on your back and neck. Proper sleep, along with stress reduction, can make a significant difference in preventing back pain. Stay Active With Regular Exercise A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest contributors to back pain. Engaging in regular exercise helps strengthen the core, back, and leg muscles that stabilize the spine. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and strength training promote flexibility, circulation, and mobility, all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy back. Even small, daily movements like stretching or short walks can make a significant difference, especially if your job involves long hours of sitting. Chiropractor in Kirkland, WA Even if you take precautions, you might still develop back pain, in which case you’ll want to see an experienced chiropractor. For a chiropractor in Kirkland and the surrounding area, contact Better Back and Body at  425-629-0326  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an evaluation!

Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints among adults, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp, shooting pain, back discomfort can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily activities. Because the spine supports nearly every movement you make, even minor issues can lead to lasting discomfort if not addressed. At Better Back & Body, our team can help alleviate your back pain at our chiropractor’s office in Kirkland, WA. Here are four common reasons that back pain develops. Poor Posture In today’s world of computers, smartphones, and long hours of sitting, poor posture is a leading cause of back pain. Slouching at a desk, hunching over a phone, or sitting for long periods without proper support can strain the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Over time, this repeated stress can lead to chronic discomfort and even misalignment of the spine. Practicing good posture, using ergonomic furniture, and taking breaks to stretch can go a long way toward preventing posture-related back pain. Muscle Strain or Overuse Back muscles are involved in nearly every movement you make, which makes them vulnerable to strain. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly, sudden twisting motions, or overexertion during exercise can cause the muscles or tendons in your back to overstretch or tear. Gentle stretching and proper lifting techniques can help reduce the risk of strain-related pain. Herniated Discs A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations. Herniated discs often develop from natural wear and tear or sudden impact injuries.. Sedentary Lifestyle Lack of regular physical activity weakens the core muscles that support the spine, making back pain more likely to develop. Sitting for long hours reduces circulation, tightens muscles, and places extra pressure on the lower back. Incorporating low-impact exercise—such as walking, swimming, or yoga—helps strengthen the back and improve flexibility. Chiropractor in Kirkland, WA Seeing a chiropractor can help you achieve long-term relief from your back pain. For an experienced chiropractor in Kirkland and the surrounding area, contact Better Back and Body at  425-629-0326  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an evaluation!