Is Back Pain More Likely If You Are Tall?
There are many risk factors for back pain that you can control – like your weight, posture, and even the position you sleep in. Your height, however, is not among them, yet it can influence your risk of back pain. Adults have the same number of vertebrates in their spine regardless of height, but they’re generally larger in those with a larger body size. Despite this size increase, taller people are more prone to back pain, in part because the size increase may not always be a proportional one. In other words, it can sometimes be simply a mechanical problem. As noted by Worcester News: “Longer limbs mean longer levers, and although vertebrae are larger in terms of height, there is not always a proportional increase in width, making it harder for core muscles to resist the effects of long levers.” Taller people may also be more prone to postural dysfunctions and muscle imbalances, particularly if they’re forced to slouch to use their computer or sit in cramped quarters for too long. Under ideal conditions, your workstation, home space and vehicle should be suited to your height, such that you’re able to use each without resorting to awkward postures or straining.