7 Things Your Back Pain Is Trying to Tell You
Pain is our body's way of telling us that
something is wrong. In the case of back pain, the root cause may be
obvious - you may have been involved in a car accident, or lifted a box
that was too heavy. Though it may also seem like a mystery.
Nevertheless, if you dig a little, the root cause of your back pain
could also be sorted out. So if you're unsure about why you are in
agony, one of these 7 possible causes may be it:
1. You're feeling stressed 
It should come as no surprise to learn that stress can cause tight
muscles and knots in your neck and upper back. Anxiety may also cause
you to have back spasms too. If you suspect that stress is causing you
back pain, try to incorporate some relaxation techniques such as
meditation and deep breathing into your routine. A weekly yoga class or
an intensive stretch will help reduce lower back pain.
2. You're hooked on technology
Hunching over a phone or tablet for several hours a day can cause what
has now been termed, 'text neck'. Having a slumped neck and rounded
shoulders add an additional 60 pounds of weight on your spine, which can
inadvertently change your posture and cause back pain. To prevent this
from happening, try keeping your phone at eye level instead.
3. You're not sitting properly
Just as looking down at your smartphone can cause back problems, sitting
down all day can wreak havoc on your spine too. Poor posture can cause
lower back pain by increasing the amount of pressure or tension on the
bones, joints, ligaments, and spinal discs. Improve your sitting posture
by keeping your forearms parallel to the floor, your head in line with
your torso, your feet flat on the floor or resting on a footrest, your
back fully supported and thighs parallel to the floor.
4. You have a muscle imbalance elsewhere in your body 
Everything in your body is interconnected. Your back pain may be
stemming from tight hamstrings or weak abdominals. If other muscle
groups are weak, it can cause the muscles of the back to do more work
than they should to keep the spine upright or moving correctly. Try
working with a physical therapist to identify and correct the specific
imbalances that are over-taxing your back.
5. You have a bulging or ruptured disc
The disks between your vertebrae help cushion the spine and act as
shock-absorbers. Over time, however, they can flatten or rupture due to
natural aging, certain movements, or a family history of disc disease.
While it doesn't always cause pain, when it does, it can be hugely
uncomfortable. If a bulging disc is the culprit, doctors often prescribe
over-the-counter medicine, hot and cold packs, and physical therapy.
6. Something more serious is going on
Pancreatitis, ulcers, or even a kidney infection could cause pain that
radiates to the back. It may also be a result of an infection,
osteomyelitis - an infection of the spine. Most back pains tend to
resolve on their own in six weeks - but if yours has gotten worse then
be sure to see a physician, particularly if it is accompanied by fever,
numbness in the rectal area, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
7. You just had a baby
Statistics show that almost 80% of new moms suffer from lower back pain
as a result of the stress placed on the body during pregnancy. Another
cause may also be due to the habits that result from caring for a young
baby, such as holding a baby on one side of the body, or hunching while
nursing - which can lead to muscle imbalance, affecting the natural
curve of your spine. Are you a new mom? Try being aware of maintaining
good posture by alternating muscle groups so you're not constantly
rocking, swaying, or bouncing your baby on one side.