Managing Everyday Pain: Identifying the Common Culprits Behind Daily Aches

We all deal with pain at some point—but what about the everyday aches that seem to pop up out of nowhere?

You finish a workday with a stiff neck. Your lower back starts complaining after cooking dinner. Or your wrists feel sore just from holding your phone. Sound familiar?

These little pains are more common than you might think, and they often have one thing in common: they're tied to our daily habits. In this first post of our Managing Everyday Pain series, we're looking at the real sources behind those recurring discomforts—and how you can start addressing them.

1. Poor Posture

Let’s start with the classic: posture.

Many of us spend hours hunched over a computer or curled up with a phone. Over time, this puts strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. Even slouching on the couch can cause muscle fatigue and joint stiffness.

The fix? Start small. Be mindful of how you sit and stand. Set up your workstation with your spine in mind. And remember—good posture isn’t about being rigid, it’s about being supported.

2. Repetitive Movements

Typing, lifting, texting, cooking—all of these involve repetitive motions that can cause overuse injuries. The muscles in your wrists, elbows, and shoulders often take the hit, especially if they don’t get time to rest or recover.

Try to vary your movements throughout the day. Use ergonomic tools where possible. And when pain starts creeping in, don’t ignore it—your body is asking for a change.

3. Lack of Movement

While overuse can be a problem, not moving enough can be just as harmful. Staying in one position for long periods—whether it’s sitting at a desk or standing in one spot—limits circulation and stiffens joints.

Give your body some variety. Change positions regularly, stretch, or take a short walk every hour. Even just standing up for 30 seconds can help reset your system.

4. Lifting the Wrong Way

From heavy boxes to grocery bags, poor lifting technique is a leading cause of back pain. Twisting, bending awkwardly, or lifting with your back (instead of your legs) can lead to strain or even injury.

Remember: lift with your legs, keep the object close to your body, and avoid sudden twisting motions.

5. Unsupportive Footwear

You might not think your feet are to blame for your back pain—but they can be. Shoes with poor arch support or worn-out soles can throw off your body’s alignment, leading to discomfort in your knees, hips, or spine.

Investing in supportive footwear—or custom insoles—can make a surprising difference in your daily comfort.

Why It Matters

Understanding where your pain is coming from is the first step to managing it. The good news? Most of these causes are preventable or correctable with small changes to your routine.

And you don’t have to go it alone. If you're experiencing daily pain and aren’t sure why, we're here to help you figure it out—and give you the tools to fix it.