Lower Back Pain: Mistakes People Make and How to Fix Them

Lower back pain has become one of the most common complaints among adults today. Global studies show that nearly eight out of ten people experience significant back pain at some point in their lives and it remains one of the leading reasons for missed workdays. With long sitting hours, limited movement and poor posture becoming a part of daily routine the number continues to rise each year. What surprises many doctors is not just how common the problem is but how often people unknowingly make it worse. 

Most people try to manage lower back pain by resting completely. It feels like the safest choice yet prolonged rest usually slows the healing process. The muscles supporting the spine become weaker and stiffness increases. Light movement during the early days helps blood flow and reduces inflammation. Simple walking for short intervals or gentle stretches often brings better relief than lying in one place for hours. 

Another mistake people make is ignoring posture. The lower back carries most of the body weight when sitting or standing. Slouching in front of a laptop or bending repeatedly without support strains the spine. Over time the muscles tighten and the discs between vertebrae begin to feel the pressure. Adjusting the height of the chair keeping the screen at eye level and supporting the lower back with a small cushion can reduce this stress. These adjustments seem minor but they change how the spine handles daily load. 

Many individuals also rely heavily on painkillers. While medicines can help during acute pain they do not address the root cause. Continuous use may mask symptoms while the underlying issue worsens. Strengthening the core muscles and improving flexibility through physiotherapy gives more stable and long lasting relief than tablets. 

Lifting objects incorrectly is another frequent cause of back injury. People bend from the waist instead of using their legs. This places sudden force on the lower spine and causes muscle strain or disc problems. The correct way is to bend the knees keep the object close to the body and rise slowly using leg strength. This simple technique prevents unnecessary stress on the back. 

Some people also delay getting medical help believing the pain will disappear on its own. Early evaluation can identify muscle spasms nerve compression or disc changes before they progress into severe conditions. Timely treatment prevents chronic pain which is much harder to manage. 

Lower back pain is often manageable when treated with awareness and guided care. Movement posture correction strengthening exercises and timely medical advice form the foundation of long term recovery. 

If lower back pain is affecting your routine and limiting your comfort it may be time to have it checked by a specialist. You can reach out to the orthopaedic and spine care team at London Ortho Hospital in Salem for a complete evaluation and a recovery plan that suits your lifestyle.