Back pain is a common problem that many people face, often due to our sedentary lifestyles. As we spend hours on end working in front of electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and phones, we often forget that our physical bodies are bearing the brunt of this lifestyle—a lifestyle that is quite new to humans.

Historically, humans, like any living mammal, had to move around to access food, either by hunting, picking, gathering, or climbing. Our bodies are sophisticated and capable of a wide range of movements like walking, running, swimming, climbing, and more. However, in today's world, most people cannot even climb a tree due to a lack of physical conditioning. This underutilization of our bodies has led to a host of health problems, including back pain.

The reality is that our modern lifestyle often involves driving instead of walking or running, and earning a salary while seated for most of the day. This lack of deep movements and use of our muscular system results in muscle atrophy, or weakening. As our muscles weaken, it affects our entire skeletal system, including the spine.

Our spine is an integral part of our body as it protects our nervous system highway—our spinal cord. When our muscles weaken, it puts pressure on our spine, which can lead to problems like pinched nerves, osteoporosis, and disk compression. These are all painful conditions primarily caused by a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, poor diet, and obesity.

So, what can you do to alleviate, or even prevent, these issues? One thing you can do is to ensure that you stand up every hour when working at a desk. Learn stretching routines that you can perform during each break. It will take literally 10 minutes of a stretching flow to improve your situation.

Regular exercise is also key. Strengthen your muscles so they can support your skeletal structure well. If you are carrying extra weight, losing some might also help alleviate some of the pressure on your spine.

Taking care of your body—your muscular system and your skeletal system—is essential for your wellbeing. By making some lifestyle changes, you can improve your physical health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain. Remember, your body is your most precious asset, and taking care of it is not just about preventing pain, but promoting overall health and longevity. Don't wait until you are in pain to start caring for your body. Start now, and your future self will thank you.