Why are More Young People Suffering from Back Pain?
Raj is a software professional in his mid-20s. As a software developer, he works for 12-13 hours a day, five days a week, juggling multiple projects at a time. Lately, he has been complaining about persistent and excruciating back pain. He wonders why he is suffering from back pain at such an early age. The pain is affecting his routines, limiting his movements. Sometimes, he can feel the pain even while asleep! Overall, the situation is concerning, particularly considering his young age and that he has a long way to go in life.
This has become a common situation these days. Until a decade or two ago, back pain was considered an older person’s problem. People usually feel pain in the upper and lower back after completing 45-50 years of age. However, an aching back has now become common amongst the younger people in their early 20s to late 30s as well.
So, if you’ve been experiencing a similar situation, don’t feel alone. However, have you ever wondered why your back hurts at such a young age? If you haven’t, you must know the reasons and address the concern before it graduates and affects your journey.
5 Reasons Younger People are Complaining About Back Pain
From digital lifestyles and resultant poor postures, stress and poor sleep habits, here’s why younger backs are hurting these days.
- Digital Habits
From scrolling on smartphones, watching reels, and browsing the internet for hours, to hunching over laptops, digital habits are the first factor hurting younger spines.
The Tech neck phenomena (straining the neck by looking down at screens), slouching while working, and improper sitting positions exert excessive stress on the spine. While hurting the spine, these factors weaken it over a period, causing excruciating pain.
Prolonged slouching and hunching results worsen the posture and lead to chronic pain. These factors also make you more susceptible to structural damage!
- WFH!
Millions of younger professionals operate from home these days. They usually do not have proper desk setups in their homes. Hence, they make their bed or sofa their workplace. While relaxing for a while is understood, working in such an incorrect position for hours damages the spine. It spoils the posture and leads to pain that aggravates over a period.
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Earlier, people moved a lot and had an active lifestyle during their younger years. However, the situation is way different now. Younger people usually spend several hours during the day sitting at home, watching the television, mobile phones, or playing games. Such lack of movement weakens the core muscles that support the spine. A weaker core refers to lesser support for the back, making it more prone to pain, injuries, and long-term concerns.
- Sudden Activity
Some younger people, particularly those a little more concerned about their health, go from years of inactivity to being active. They join the gymnasium and suddenly indulge in heavy movements, etc. These sudden changes exert pressure on the back. And as if this wasn’t enough, poor form while lifting weights adds to the stress, often injuring the neck, upper back, lower back, and shoulders. Together, these factors contribute to chronic pain!
- Poor Sleeping and Dietary Habits
Speaking of sleep first, inadequate sleep is the first concern. The body doesn’t get the rest it deserves after a strenuous day. Next, improper sleeping. The mattress, sleep position, and overall sleep quality also play a role in early back pain. Using an unsupportive mattress or sleeping in a position that misaligns the spine can wake an individual with a sore and stiff back, vulnerable to pain.
On the other hand, you have poor eating habits. Excessive junk food and the lack of proper nutrition weaken the spine. Although this doesn’t happen immediately. It does show in the later years, particularly during the 30s.
Address Early Back Pain with Ranka Hospital!
Whether you are young or old, back pain is something you must not ignore. Instead, you should address it early through professional medical intervention.
Ranka Hospital, one of the leading orthopedic hospitals in Pune, is here to help you get rid of back pain. Our comprehensive diagnosis, personalized treatment, and follow-up sessions help reduce back pain and make life much easier.
So, why let back pain ruin your younger and delightful years? Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530 and book an appointment with our orthopedic consultants.
