10 Surprising things causing you back pain

1. Your office chair. Remember that your knees should be slightly lower than your hips and your feet should rest flat on the floor. For helpful tips to maintain great posture at the office, read Your posture plan.

2. Your sports bra. “If heavy breasted women don’t have enough support, their forward-leaning shoulders and heads will strain their necks and upper backs,” says physical therapist Jayne Snyder.

3. Your bed. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association suggests sleeping in a position that allows you to maintain the natural curve in your back.

4. Breast-feeding. “Women think they need to elevate their feet while nursing,” says Snyder. “Instead, you should sit up, with erect posture, for no more than 20 minutes.”

5. Lack of vitamin D. Research has shown low levels of vitamin D are associated with lower back pain.

6. Your menstrual cycle. Prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause uterine contractions and cramping, can also cause pain in the lower back muscles.

7. Stress. Tension reduces blood flow to the muscles, causing pain.

8. Smoking. Researchers theorize that smoking causes vascular damage in the disks and joints.

9. Bad posture. Try to imitate the kids in the playground next time you stand up. They have natural, excellent posture.

10. The runway. The fashion runway, that is – avoid the slouching posture of models.