Let's take a look at some causes of back pain.

Today were joined by Crystal Maleski MS,OT/L. She has been an occupational therapist for over 20 years. She not only teaches these principles to patients she works with, but as a mom who is over 6’ tall she also uses these principles herself on a daily basis.

I hope you enjoy Crystal's knowledge and expertise in this critical subject for tall women...

Take it away Crystal...

Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain is rarely the result of one incident or injury. In many cases back pain occurs after years of stress on the back. I’ve had many patients say, “all I did was bend down and pick up a pencil”. It wasn’t just bending down that one time to pick up a pencil; their back pain may have started after years of picking up objects in a way that put too much stress on their backs. As an occupational therapist I offer instruction on how to do everyday activities in a way that won’t cause pain or further injury. If you are tall, I would especially recommend that you understand common causes of back pain and how to avoid them.

Poor Posture
I was 5’11” in 8th grade. Just like many tall girls, I tried to blend in by slouching a bit. Fortunately, I learned that slumping would actually make me stick out in a crowd, rather than helping me to blend in. Poor Posture not only looks bad, but it causes stress on your back. Help your back by using good posture while sitting and while standing. You are using good posture if you stand with your back against a wall and have a little space between your waist and the wall, if your shoulder blades are touching the wall, and if you head is held up straight.

Poor Body Mechanics
Using your body inefficiently can lead to injury. Lifting with a rounded lower back, twisting while lifting, and holding heavy boxes away from your body are examples of poor body mechanics. It is recommended that heavy objects be carried close to your body, that you avoid reaching while holding onto a heavy object, get help from someone else if moving a heavy object and maintain the natural curves of your back during all activities.

Stressful Work Habits
If you are reading this on a computer the height of the screen, and the chair you are sitting at could be contributing to neck and back pain. Repetitive motions that are carried out by people on the job, such as an assembly line can also be a source of pain and injury.

Saggy Mattress or Chair
Your favorite mattress or easy chair may feel soft and comfortable but if you can’t maintain the natural curves in your back while you are sleeping or sitting you may experience back pain.

Accidents
A sudden fall or accident can be an immediate cause of pain or injury.

Loss of Flexibility/Decline in Physical Fitness
Tight muscles, especially the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh can result in more strain on your back.

Structural Issues
Whether you were born with scoliosis – curvature of the spine, or have acquired problems such as a herniated disc, arthritis or a pinched nerve, structural issues need to be considered as a possibility if you are experiencing back pain. If you are experiencing persistent pain, have a hard time moving without pain or have pain shooting down your legs, you should contact your physician.

Understanding the common causes of back pain can be helpful in preventing and minimizing the effects of this condition.

Well I guess it's time to for us to find some relief! Let's move on to Part 2 in this series...

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