Back Pain and Soreness, Check 4 Causes and Practical Ways to Overcome It

YOGYAKARTA - Back pain and stiffness can appear suddenly or slowly, then interfere with your daily activities. This complaint is often considered trivial, although in many cases it is related to the way muscles, joints, and the spine work. According to international health experts, back pain that feels stiff is generally triggered by muscle tension, improper body posture, to the habit of sitting too long. The good news is, most of these conditions can be overcome with practical steps if the cause is recognized from the start.

One of the most common causes of back pain and stiffness is stiff muscles. When muscles lose flexibility, blood flow to the area becomes less optimal, reported the Cleveland Clinic, Wednesday, December 24. As a result, the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed by the muscles to recover is reduced, resulting in a feeling of stiffness, pain, and discomfort in the back. This condition often occurs after sitting for a long time, moving less, or doing physical activity suddenly without warming up.

An ideal body posture, such as bending over when sitting or standing too long in the wrong position, can put extra pressure on the spine. The back muscles and core muscles have to work harder to support the body, so it is easy to get tired. In the long run, quoting the Mayo Clinic, this habit makes the back feel sore and sore even if you don't do heavy activities.

Core muscles, including the abdominal and lower back muscles, play an important role in supporting the spine. If these muscles are weak, the body's load will be supported more by the back muscles alone. As a result, the back muscles become tense quickly and trigger repetitive pain, especially when you sit a lot or lift weights.

Not only physical factors, stress can also contribute to back pain and stiffness. When you are stressed, your body tends to respond by tightening muscles, including in the back and neck areas. Launching the American Psychological Association, persistent tension can aggravate the feeling of stiffness and make the back feel stiff even if there is no obvious physical injury.

Treating back pain and stiffness does not always require complicated treatment. You can start by regularly doing light stretching to maintain muscle flexibility. Try to improve posture when sitting and standing, and take a break to move if you have to sit for a long time. Strengthening core muscle exercises are also important so that the spine gets more stable support. In addition, warm compresses can help relax tense muscles, while cold compresses are useful if pain is accompanied by mild inflammation.

Back pain and stiffness are common complaints often triggered by stiff muscles, improper posture, weak core muscles, and stress. By recognizing these four causes, you can take practical steps to address them early on. Simple changes such as being more active, maintaining body position, and managing stress can help reduce pain and keep your back comfortable. If the complaint does not improve or get worse, you should consult a medical professional to get the right treatment.