According to the American Chiropractic Association, an estimated 264 million employees call in sick to work because of back pain. Whether you are a long-time back pain sufferer or are recently dealing with this common problem, finding relief for your chronic back pain is at the top of your list. However, before looking for a solution, realize that there are several bad habits you have that might be making your back pain worse.

Here are a few common everyday habits that could be exacerbating your back pain.

Sitting For Too Long

Between your endless morning commute to work, the time spent in front of your computer at work, and the relaxing time spent on the couch before bed, chances are you are spending a lot of time sitting. In addition to improper posture while sitting, being in a sitting position actually puts a lot of stress on your back.

The easiest way to prevent back pain from too much sitting is to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Invest in a quality office chair that has proper back support. Pay attention to how you are sitting to avoid slumping.

Wearing Improper Shoes

The right pair of shoes can provide you with support and comfort and can even reduce your back pain. This is because shoes that fit properly will help distribute the force of your weight hitting the ground. The wrong shoes, conversely, will not allow this proper weight distribution, which in turn can cause serious back pain.

Your doctor or podiatrist can help determine the best shoes that are best for the shape of your feet and how you walk. For example, if you have flat feet, a pair of custom orthotics can help you walk with less back pain. Even putting away the heels in favor or proper-fitting flats can make a big difference.

Spending Too Much Time on Your Smartphone

Finally, if you spend a lot of time on your smartphone, chances are you are hunched over checking your messages or flipping through social media accounts. That hunching can over time cause serious back pain that will impact your quality of life. In addition to putting down your smartphone, make sure to sit straight up when you are on your phone.

From spending too much time on your smartphone to wearing the wrong shoes, there are several bad habits that can cause back pain or make your existing back pain even worse.

To learn more about treating and managing back pain, contact a back pain management facility in your area.