HEALTH TALK: Unexpected reasons you’re in pain

Dr. Victor Emanuel, MD

Let’s just look at some of the reasons we feel pain. Often, it’s just a matter of simple everyday choices we make; I’ll go through with you a number of Pain Triggers, some of which may apply to you.

FLIP-FLOPS

These and foam-soled sandals provide poor arch support, leading to pain in the feet, ankles and knees.

Solution: Wear shoes with arch support. When you know you’ll be walking a lot, opt for sneakers.

SMART PHONES

If you have a cell phone that lets you text, surf the web, and play games, you’re putting a lot of mileage on your thumbs. Doctors have begun seeing arthritis at the base of the thumb in people as young as 30.

Solution: When your thumbs begin to ache, give the texting a rest. If pain continues, use your phone to make an actual call – to a doctor. Arthritis treatments are abundant.

YOUR WALLET

Your wallet can be a real pain in the back and the buttocks, and it can lead to shooting pains down one leg. Tucked in a back pocket, it may rest directly over the sciatic nerve, compressing and irritating it day after day. A fat wallet may also put the spine slightly out of alignment, causing muscle tension.

Solution: Remove your wallet before sitting, especially in the car – but be careful where you put it.

DRIVING

Many people set their car seats at the wrong angle. If the seat is reclined, you may slouch forward to grip the steering wheel. This pulls your head away from the headrest and can cause neck pain.

Solution: Put you car seat in an upright position that supports your head and lower back. The steering wheel should be within east reach, so your arms are slightly flexed and relaxed.

ACTIVE VIDEO GAMES

Video games that simulate the motions of popular sports, like the Wii, can result in real sports injuries.  Doctors say overzealous gaming can cause everything from sprains to torn ligaments and broken bones.

Solution: Do some stretching before starting an active video game. Make sure you have plenty of space around you, so you won’t trip or crash into anything. And don’t play for longer than you would a real sport.

CHEESE

These may be the reason for all those headaches, especially migraines. Many cheeses contain a substance called tyramine. This notorious trigger is also found in some processed meats and beverages.

Solution: Keep a food diary to help spot links between foods and headaches, so you’ll know what to avoid.

COUCH POTATO SYNDROME

If you often lie across the couch with your head turned toward the television, you’re setting yourself up for a sore neck – especially if you fall asleep in that position.

Solution: Maintain good posture even when you’re relaxing, sit up straight on your couch and make sure your TV is not positioned too high.

YOUR BABY (The small one)

The simple act of lifting your baby out of the crib each day can lead to de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This is a repetitive stress injury that causes pain and swelling in the wrist and thumb.

Solution: Learn to lift your baby without straining the wrists. Lower the side rails of the crib, place your hands under the back and buttocks, and lift with the bigger muscles of your arms.

LAPTOP CASE

If you carry your laptop around like an extra limb, you’re likely to strain some part of the body. Handheld laptop cases put stress on the forearm and can actually give you tennis elbow. Bags that you wear over one shoulder can contribute to back and shoulder pain.

Solution: Try a rolling laptop case or consider switching to a lighter model.

YOUR HAIRDO

A tight ponytail may trigger a headache, especially if you’re prone to migraines. Some migraines sufferers are more sensitive to sensations that won’t bother others, such as a tight hat, headband, bun, or braids.

Solutions: Wear your hair down and skip the hat.

STRONG SMELLS

We’re not sure why, but strong smells are another common migraine trigger. This can include obnoxious odors, such as paint and smoke. But pleasant scents, including perfumes and fresh flowers, can also be a problem.

Solution: Identify which smells spark your headaches and try to avoid them.

SLEEP HABITS

If you wake up sore most mornings, take a good look at your sleep posture. Stomach sleepers may twist their necks to the point of hyperextension (overextending the neck). Other people sleep on their sides with one arm overhead. After many hours, this position can strain the shoulder.

Solution: The safest ways to sleep are on your back or on your side with your arms below shoulder level. Side sleepers can place a pillow between the knees to support the lower back.

BEVERAGES

As beverages go, alcohol is the king of pain. Red wine, whiskey, beer, and champagne are the drinks blamed most often for a throbbing head.

Solution: Limit your intake of alcohol.

SKIPPING MEALS

Skipping meals cause your blood sugar to dip. In some people, this can trigger a massive headache before you even realize you’re hungry.

Solution: Eat nutritious foods throughout the day. Opt for snacks that combine protein and whole grains, such as peanut butter or whole-wheat crackers.

LIFTING WITH THE BACK

A top source of back pain is lifting the wrong way. A common mistake is curving the back forward to grab an object, then straightening the back as you lift. This forces your back muscles to take the brunt of the burden. Twisting while you lift is another problem.

Solution: To lift properly, bend the knees and hips until you are squatting. Keep the back upright. Grab the object and lift with your leg muscles by straightening your knees and hips.

YOUR WORKSTATION

Give some thought to the setup if you spend many hours a day at your desk or workstation. A poorly positioned chair can cause you to slouch forward, straining the back and neck. A monitor that’s too low or too high will also strain the neck.

Solution: Place your monitor with the top of the screen at eye level. Position your chair so that you are sitting straight with your feet on the floor. Use a cushion to support the lower back if needed.

YOUR KEYBOARD

If your job involves a lot of typing, you may be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.  This is a nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands or wrists. The condition is more likely to develop if you keep your wrists bent to access your keyboard.

Solution: Tilt your keyboard so that your hands and wrists remain in line with your forearms while you type. If this doesn’t help, try using an ergonomic keyboard.

EYESTRAIN

Headaches centered behind the eyebrows may be due to eyestrain. Eyestrain may occur when you have uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Solution: Schedule an eye exam to see whether you need corrective lenses. If you already wear glasses, it may be time for a new prescription.

WARM WEATHER

When the temperature rises, some people may be more likely to get migraines and other severe headaches.

Solution: Because you can’t control the weather, just be aware of which changes bring on your headaches. This way, you can be ready for it.

WEEKEND WARRIOR SYNDROME

You’re one of these if you’re sedentary all week but dive into sports and exercise on Saturday and Sunday. The sudden burst of activity catches the muscles unprepared, making them vulnerable to strains.

Solution: Start with 5 – 10 minutes of walking or another gentle exercise and stretch after your workout, when muscles are warm. During the week, take a few minutes to train the muscles you’ll be using during your weekend activities.

SHOULDER RIDES

It’s classic family fun: A parent walking along with a delighted child enjoying a shoulder ride. But lifting kids overhead is a common source of neck and shoulder pain.

Solution: Instead of lifting your child from the ground, sit on a couch or bench. Encourage your child to climb carefully onto your shoulders.

GRINDING YOUR TEETH

A sore jaw combined with a dull headache could mean you’re grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. If you’re a chronic grinder, pain isn’t the only concern. You could end up damaging your teeth, your jaw, and even your hearing.

Solution: See your dentist. He or she can provide a mouth guard that will protect your teeth during sleep.

SEX

Sex can increase blood pressure and muscle tension in the head, causing a pounding headache. Men get them more than women. And if you’re already prone to headaches, a sex headache will be the same type you usually get.

Solution: These headaches usually respond well to pain relievers. But check with doc to make sure your headaches aren’t a sign of a more serious condition.

STRESS

Stress contributes to a vast array of aches and pains. Many people tighten the back muscles when anxious, leading to chronic back pain. Most tension headaches stem from stress. And stress may play a role in teeth grinding, leading to jaw pain.

Solution: Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR ABOUT PAIN

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

•    Chest pain
•    A severe headache and/or stiff neck
•    Pain related to an injury
•    Pain accompanied by weakness or numbness

Any chronic pain should also be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it interferes with work, hobbies or sleep.

See you next week.

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6 Comments

  1. May 3, 2012

    Proud of you doc. for the contribution you are giving to the few who would read your article in it’s entirety, if some of us would have patience and read your article through i am sure we would get more positive vibes. Keep doing the Good thing you continue to do.

  2. shia
    May 3, 2012

    I must agree with Chris. Headache and Sex. Ummm poof and the headache gone!

  3. The Godfada
    May 2, 2012

    thanks doc…lookin forward to more info….

  4. shy
    May 2, 2012

    Thanks doc

  5. chris
    May 2, 2012

    Very good read Doc. Much Appreciated.

    One thing though… Sometimes when i have headaches … like after a long day at work and feeling stressed.. I have sex and *poof* it’s all gone!!

  6. As I See It
    May 2, 2012

    This is a great article. Thank you so much for the information. I wonder if a laptop case can cause lower back pain.

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