Today’s chiropractors find themselves treating conditions spawned from say-to-day activities. Surprisingly, your healthy routine may be causing damage. Back pain is the fifth most common factor of hospitalizations, and it’s the third most common thing requiring surgery. If you’re experiencing lower back pain, upper back pain or even inconsistent pain, be careful. These five daily activities may send you to the chiropractor—or worse, the hospital.


One: Not Exercising


While many boast the benefits of not engaging hardcore workouts, not exercising may be causing your back pain. Not stretching your hips and hamstrings, experts believe, can cause stiffness over time. Even worse: about half of individuals experiencing back pain stop working out.


Two: Bad Posture


Bad posture, too, can cause back pain. If you work in an office—or if you’re simply sitting often—you may be creating tension around your hips. If these areas become tight, they cause pain. The pain may become worse if your abdomen is weak, resulting in severe damage.


Three: Smoking


Yes, smoking. Nicotine can restrict the blood flow to your back’s discs. These discs cushion your back’s vertebrae, but they can increase back degeneration if they’re not cared for. If your back loses cushioning, it’ll experience pain. Smoking additionally reduces your bone mass’s calcium absorption—leaving you at risk for osteoporosis.


Four: Not Drinking Enough Milk


Milk has vitamin D and calcium—which your body needs to repair, strengthen and maintain its bones. If your body isn’t getting enough of these nutrients, your back’s bone structure may deteriorate. You can also experience a vitamin D deficiency if you don’t go outside enough. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sunlight, or supplement vitamin D. You can purchase vitamin D from your local grocery store or pharmacy.


Five: Carrying a Purse


If you carry a handbag, you might be causing damage comparable to a sports injury. Toting a heavy bag can imbalance your shoulders. Your body needs to elevate its shoulders to carry the weight, which imbalances your spine. Carrying a bag every day can damage your muscles over time, creating an overall weak back.


If you’re experiencing back pain, fear not. By changing your day-to-day schedule, you can greatly benefit your back’s health. You can also discuss options with your doctor. Your back can repair itself, so your injuries needn’t last forever. Talk with your provider, and discuss your options. If the back pain is severe, or if your daily schedule isn't causing the damage, you may have other available options.