8 Things We’ve Been Doing Wrong That Can Be Very Harmful For Our Spine

[LoShiNi]

The most important element of our body structure is the spine. One of the fundamental differences between homo sapiens and other animals is the vertical position of our spine. However, that vertical position creates a lot of muscle tension.

The spine allows us to stand up straight, bend, and turn around. This structure covers and protects the spinal cord and provides junction points for the muscles of the back and ribs.

The spine is composed of a collection of individual segments, known as vertebrae, that are joined by intervertebral discs and ligaments that act as shock absorbers and stabilizers.



Back problems and pain usually originate due to bad habits that we adopt. Here we tell you what they are:

1. Carrying excess weight unevenly

If we carry weight, which is heavier than our spine can support, or worse still, if we carry it to one side of the body (such as a bag), our spinal structure will likely suffer and cause pain in the neck and lower back.

The solution: Always distribute weight evenly across both sides of the body.

2. Wearing heels

Heels put a lot of pressure on our hips and spine by having to support our entire body weight from a higher height. Heels force the spine to lose its alignment, pushing the body forward to keep balanced.


The solution: Don’t wear high heels.

3. Staring at electronic devices

You ride the subway or bus, and you take out your phone or tablet to read, play games, type messages, etc., using your neck muscles to lower your head, thereby generating a lot of tension on the spine.

The solution: Distract yourself from your device, hold it at your eye level not to turn your entire head to it, or stretch your neck from time to time.


4. Sleeping face-down

By sleeping in this position, we’re putting weight back onto the spine, and all the tension is carried in our neck and spinal arch.

5. Watching too much TV

Do you lie down on the sofa and rest your head on the armrest? If so, you’re straining your neck and moving your spine out of alignment, causing pain.

6. Lifting heavy objects

If we must lift a heavy object from the floor, it’s best to first crouch down, grab the object, then stand up with a straight back until our legs are stretched. Otherwise, by leaning forward to carry the weight, we’re tensing and damaging the discs of our spine.

7. Adopting correct positions for housework

Many people tend to adopt resting positions while standing to perform chores around the house. By doing so, the curve of the spine tends to become exaggerated. This leads to misalignment and causes muscle tension. If you’re tired, rest one foot or knee on something comfortable, but don’t overload your spine.

8. Riding a bicycle

Be careful when riding a bike. Many people tend to rest their entire body forward, straining their spine. This isn’t a suitable position and can cause injury.

Before performing any exercise, it’s best to warm up the muscles. We mustn’t forget that the spine holds us up, and we have to look after it in order to keep it working well.