As anyone who has ever had spine problems can tell you, it is one of the least favorite medical problems to have.

Issues with the back, neck and spine can be some of the most painful moments in one’s life. What may not be painful for one individual can be excruciatingly painful for another. The bottom line, not everyone handles pain the same way, hence it is important whenever you first begin suffering from any such areas of pain to seek medical assistance. 

So just what can be the causes of some of the worst spinal pain that one can endure? 

Although spinal diseases can certainly be the culprit, many people oftentimes end up with spinal discomfort due to their own actions. Being overweight, not sitting properly during the day or sleeping at night, even improperly exercising can be harbingers of bad things to come. 

Whether you end up seeing your personal doctor or even going to spinal specialist like spine surgery British Columbia or similar facilities in your area, it is important to not just push aside the pain, thinking it will automatically go away on its own.

For those who are not aware, the spine is comprised of more than two-dozen discs, along with a number of tendons, nerves and muscles. While it can sometimes be difficult for a doctor or spinal specialist to initially find where the problem is coming from, not seeking treatment is not the way to go.

Among the most common problems for people prior to seeking out a spinal specialist is back pain.

Back pain can originate from a variety of sources, many of which individuals can actually prevent or lessen the odds of dealing with in the first place.

Among the key areas to focus in on:

* Weight - One of the biggest causes of pain in the spine and back areas is being overweight or even obese. Not only do such conditions lead to a higher risk of getting potentially fatal illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes, but being overweight/obese also puts added pressure on the spine and back. Individuals can lessen the chances of this by actively monitoring their weight, making sure they are not greatly exceeding what is considered average for their height and age;

* Exercise - As many people will tell you, they simply do not get enough exercise.As a result, the above mentioned weight becomes an issue, not to mention the fact that many of their muscles can tend to weaken from inactivity. When individuals come into a doctor’s office or see a spine specialist, the lack of exercise should be addressed. Simply taking a daily walk for 30 minutes can help with weight issues and strengthen little used muscles. On the subject of exercise, improperly working out can be a problem too. Individuals should always consult their doctors and/or a trainer before beginning an exercise regimen;

*  Posture - Whether it means improving the way you sit up during the day or how you sleep at night, proper posture is important to keeping your spine and surrounding areas healthy. Although it is almost inevitable that you will slouch at times during the day or wake up in an awkward sleep position in the morning (or whenever you arise), make a better effort to correct problems now, instead of waiting until the doctor calls.

While there are some body parts you might take for granted, your spine should never be one of them.

Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk