Source: Shutterstock

Pain In My Back: 4 Things You're Doing Wrong Everyday

Last updated: Wednesday, January 19, 2022 | 1 min reading time

Wang Yu Hui

Physiotherapist

Why does your back ache? Here are 4 daily habits that may be hurting your spine, and what you should do about it.

What could be causing your back pain?

Standing still (Commuting / waiting for someone)

Prolonged standing causes your body to become fatigued and places more pressure on your joints. This leads to back stiffness as well as tightened and aching back muscles.

Using your mobile phone

When looking down at your phone, whether standing or sitting, your neck is bent forward and has to support the full weight of your head. This puts additional stress on the neck muscles and spine.

Working in the office

Improper posture at your desk can cause discomfort and pain to your back and spine. Your spine has a natural curve, and a bad posture challenges it unnecessarily.

Lifting heavy objects

A study found that 19% of patients with back pain work in the transport and storage sector. When wrong techniques – like bending over to pick up heavy objects – are carried out, greater force is placed on the joints and muscles, which can lead to pain.

How can you protect your back?

To keep your spine happy and healthy, be sure to do these 3 things:

Adopt a correct or supported posture
Change positions every 30 minutes
Stretch regularly

What can you do for back pain?

Lower back pain affects a majority of Singaporeans. Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent any long-term injury. Consult an orthopaedic specialist to understand what's causing your pain, and the treatment options available.

You may also do simple exercises and stretches for pain that you may be experiencing. Do be careful when doing such exercises, and stop immediately if you feel any shooting or sharp pain. If you are a beginner, it is best to start your exercise routine under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

If you have been experiencing prolonged back aches and pain, don't delay seeking treatment at Parkway Rehab.

4 Reasons to Stop Slouching. Men's Fitness. Retrieved on 13 December 2017 from http://www.mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/4-reasonsstop-slouching

9 Health Hazards of Electronic Devices for Kids. Health Promotion Board. Retrieved on 13 December 2017 from https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1099/9-health-hazards-of-electronic-devices-for-kids

Office Chair, Posture, and Driving Ergonomics. Spine Health. Retrieved on 13 December 2017 from https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/officechair-posture-and-driving-ergonomics

Workplace Safety and Health Institute

Article tags

Bone health

Life Without Arthritis: Total Knee Replacement

Getting a new knee may have sounded like science fiction a few decades ago, but a total knee replacement is now a relatively common procedure.

Worst Sports Injuries

Not everyone who participates in sports knows about the risks involved – until they get hurt. Here are the top 5 serious sports injuries and how they can be treated.

Diabetes and Amputation: How to Save Your Leg

Complications arising from diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease often result in patients losing a limb, but it does not have to be that way.

How Singapore Slinger Wong Wei Long Copes with Sports Injuries

Professional athletes collect a score of injuries during their career. Singapore Slinger Wong Wei Long shares how he minimises sports injuries on the job.