Back pain is the new pandemic: What's really causing it and 4 moves to get over It
lower back pain
isn't just a passing discomfort—it's a life-altering condition. According to the World Health Organization, 619 million people currently suffer from lower back pain worldwide. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to a staggering 843 million, making it not only the most common musculoskeletal problem but also the leading cause of global disability.
What's worse, it doesn't discriminate. Lower back pain can sneak into anyone's life—disrupting productivity, daily movement, sex, sleep, and in severe cases, even the ability to work or socialize. But what's causing this modern epidemic, and is it really as inevitable as it seems?
Your Sofa Might Be Sabotaging You
Kacey Russell, a personal trainer at The Fitness Group, says one of the most common culprits is something deceptively mundane:
posture
. Speaking to Sun Health, she explained how hours spent hunched over laptops, slouched on sofas, or sprawled across beds in the name of remote work can quietly wreck spinal health.
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'Poor posture is a big contributor,' she says. 'While keeping your back straight is important, staying in any position for too long will do your back zero favours.' The Royal Society for Public Health found that nearly half of those working from sofas or bedrooms developed musculoskeletal issues—an alarming statistic that underlines how modern work habits are at odds with our body's needs.
Fit, But Still in Pain?
Interestingly, even those who exercise regularly aren't immune. In fact, being too active without proper form or recovery can lead to problems just as easily as being sedentary. Russell points out that endurance athletes or gym-goers may suffer from tightness and pain in the lower back, especially if they skimp on warm-ups or post-workout stretching.
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'Warming up and cooling down aren't optional,' she cautions. 'They're essential to prevent muscle stiffness and injury.'
Sometimes, It's More Than Just a Strain
Not all back pain stems from posture or workouts. Sometimes it's the result of an underlying injury, chronic stress, or nerve-related conditions like
sciatica
. 'If your back pain doesn't improve with rest and basic care after a few weeks, or if it's interfering with daily life, it's time to see a GP,' Russell advises. The golden rule: don't ignore your body if it's clearly signaling distress.
Moves That Can Help Your Back Feel Human Again
If back pain is already a part of your daily life, certain low-impact exercises can provide relief. Russell recommends incorporating targeted movements to ease tension and restore flexibility. Performed in the morning or throughout the day, these simple routines can counteract stiffness and prevent worsening symptoms.
Glute Bridge
Lie on a mat with your back flat, knees bent, and feet hip-width apart. Place your hands flat on the ground beside you. Drive your hips upward, squeezing your glutes at the top. Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds before slowly lowering back down. Repeat several times.
iStock
Glute Bridge
Bird Dog
Start on all fours, with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Engage your core, then extend your left leg straight behind you while simultaneously reaching your right arm forward. Keep both extended limbs level with your body. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds, return to the starting position, and switch sides.
iStock
Bird Dog
Cat Cow
Again on all fours, inhale deeply as you arch your spine, lifting your tailbone and gaze upward—this is the 'cow' position. As you exhale, round your spine, tuck your belly, and drop your head—this is the 'cat' pose. Continue moving slowly between these two postures for 15 seconds.
iStock
Cat cow
Deadbug
Lie on your back with arms extended toward the ceiling and legs bent at a 90-degree angle in tabletop position. Slowly lower your left arm behind your head while simultaneously straightening your right leg so it hovers above the floor. Return to the start and repeat on the other side. Aim for 15 seconds on each side.
iStock
Deadbug
Should You Rest or Move?
When the ache becomes too much, most people instinctively stop moving—but that might be the worst thing to do. According to Russell, inactivity can cause muscles to seize up and prolong pain.
'Movement like walking or swimming can actually help relax tight muscles,' she says. 'But avoid high-impact activities like long runs or heavy lifting unless you're thoroughly warmed up.' Her warning is clear: if the pain is sharp, sudden, or immobilizing, professional medical advice must come first.
Whether you're a desk dweller, fitness enthusiast, or just someone feeling a little too stiff in the mornings, the key takeaway is simple—your lower back is trying to tell you something. And if you listen carefully and respond with care, movement, and mindful habits, you may just avoid becoming one of the 843 million struggling with disabling pain by 2050.
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