About 6 million older adults in the U.S. live withchronic lower back pain.
From there, plenty of lifestyle habits raise your risk.
Some of these hoisting your grandkid or overdoing the gardening are obvious, but some arent.
Here are 10 surprising culprits that may play a role in the pain in your back.
Stronger bones can help protect against back pain and other disabling issues.
A weak core can mean chronic back pain.
Now tighten your abdominal muscles, trying not to move your pelvis, ribs or shoulders.
Hold that position as long as youre comfortable.
You have a new grandchild
Theyre delightful and heavier than they look.
Imagine theres a circle around your feet and stay within that zone, he says.
Your heart rate increases, and yourquality of sleep suffers.
And theres a clear association between poor sleep and back pain.
Sleep helps our muscles to relax and get rid of lactic acid buildup, Shamie says.
Plus, sleep deprivation heightens your sensitivity to pain.
Rest keeps discs in good condition.
The jelly-like core of a normal, healthy disc is 80 percent water, Shamie says.
When you lie down to rest, your discs can refill for the day ahead.
This gets more important as we get older and our discs become drier.
To fight the light, get blackout shades and ban digital devices from the bedroom.
