Slouching stretches your spinal ligaments, which increases the strain on your spinal discs. But there are many other reasons for your back pain, including:
- A herniated disk. A herniation is when a vertebral disc ruptures. It’s a common sport or work-related injury. It’s painful and requires surgery to repair.
- Kidney infection. Your kidneys are located in your lower back. The pain from an infection emanates from that location.
- Obesity. The added weight pulls your pelvis forward. The extra weight causes an anterior pelvic tilt. This unnatural curving of the spine can lead to a host of issues.
- Poor posture. Constant slouching can cause the same damage as being overweight.
- Pregnancy. The extra weight of your baby puts stress on your spine. Unless you find a new balance and stretch, you’ll end up in pain.
- Sciatica. Your sciatic nerve travels from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, down each leg. A compromised sciatic nerve causes pain.
- Ankylosing spondylitis. This is the inflammation of the vertebrae in your spine. Over time, this disease causes the vertebrae in your spine to fuse together.
- Endometriosis. This ailment occurs in women. It is when the uterine tissue attaches to other organs in their body. Endometrial cells can stick to your lower back and cause back pain.
- Fibromyalgia. This disorder causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. Women are more prone to develop fibromyalgia than men.
- Spinal stenosis. When the space within your spine narrows, it puts pressure on the nerves that travel through your spine, causing pain.