Working toward a healthy mind and body can mean many things. It can mean eating healthy, exercising, doing what makes you happy, and plenty more. Each person is likely to take on a new routine, and work toward a schedule of events that helps make them feel better about themselves. And for the most part, we’re able to adjust as needed, when it’s needed. Should an injury take place, you would rest the affected area, then work to strengthen those muscles and reduce additional tensions to the body. But what about aspects we don’t know are causing injuries?

Believe it or not, there are a number of different aspects that can run down muscles – especially in the back – without us even knowing it. These little-recognized issues increase aches and pains for all types of patients – almost always without them knowing anything has taken place.

Little Recognized Back Pain Triggers

Discomfort – If you’re adjusting or moving for any reason, you’re more likely to cause a muscle twinge than when relaxed. This can take place while shivering, trying to settle into bed, or any other situation where your muscles are straining more than usual. To avoid these stressors, look toward situations in which you’re comfortable at all times (at least as much as possible). Or, on a particularly cold day (or a particularly hard mattress), stay aware of each movement and how it might correspond to your muscle pain.

Sleeping too long – Even with the most supportive bed setup, your back can strain and pull throughout the night. Sleeping for too long can increase this setup the longer amount of time you remain resting. The back simply wasn’t made to spend that much time without movement, a fact that can unknowingly increase injury(ies).

Failing to stretch – If you’re not working out, it can be difficult to remember to give your back muscles the necessary warm up they deserve. Especially when planning for something quick and strenuous. Just because you didn’t think to warm up, however, doesn’t mean that prep work isn’t needed.

The same can be said for cool-downs. Stretch and drink plenty of water after back movement to prevent a backtrack of strains – which can generally be prevented with some simple planning.

Not using it – Backs are a rare breed – they’re unlike any other part of the body. Which means it can be hard to remember to work them out in an effective manner. Even something as simple as working on range of motion. Ignoring their needs can cause stiffness and brittle areas that are more likely to hurt.

A poor diet – Though it’s noted that one should eat healthy foods for other reasons – an overall healthier lifestyle, etc., taking in fewer vitamins can also lower muscle health, as well as their ability to obtain nutrients, circulate blood, etc.

Non-supportive shoes – Feet aren’t the only ones who need extra support and cushion when walking. Cradled weight placement and more can carry throughout (and up) the entire body. A lack of support, however, also means poor movement is carried up into the back and its subsequent muscles.

Dehydration – Much like eating a healthy diet, taking in enough water will help hydrate and lubricate the muscles. When in doubt, drink more water to prep and heal each of your muscles – especially those in the back – for a natural way to improve their health.

To keep back pains at bay – whether they’re already forming or you’re looking for preventative measures – remember these under-the-radar triggers. Just by changing a few steps you can work to greatly improve back health through all types of daily activities.