Pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something is wrong. When it comes to back pain, the cause may be obvious, maybe you lifted something heavy or made a sudden movement. But sometimes, it seems like a mystery that you don’t know where to get it from.

However, if you think a little harder, the mystery may be easier to solve than you think. If you understand the reasons behind your back pain, you can also find a way to deal with it. If you don’t know where your pain is coming from, check out 5 possible causes that might be responsible.

Anxiety and stress

It may not surprise you that stress can cause tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back. But stress can even lead to muscle spasms in the back. According to research from Harvard, the more you worry about your pain, the worse it can become. Try incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine, such as meditation or deep breathing. Yoga or stretching has also been shown to be very helpful in reducing back pain.

Excessive use of technology

Constantly hunching over your phone or tablet can lead to what’s called “text neck syndrome.” When you constantly look down, the position your neck and shoulders assume adds pressure to your spine, which can affect your posture and cause back pain. Try to keep your phone at eye level as much as possible.

Bad attitude at the office

If you spend long hours sitting at your desk, bad posture can damage your spine. Incorrect posture increases tension and pressure on bones, joints and intervertebral discs. While you can’t avoid work, you can improve your posture: Keep your forearms parallel to the floor, your head in line with your torso, your feet flat on the ground and your back well supported in the chair.

Muscle imbalances

Muscle imbalances occur when one muscle is too loose and the opposite one overworks and becomes tight. This imbalance can negatively affect the joints, tendons, and other muscles, causing extra stress on the back muscles, which end up working harder than they should to keep the spine in the right position.

Pain after pregnancy

If you have just given birth, know that about 80% of new mothers experience back pain. This happens because of the stress on the body during pregnancy, but also because of new habits, such as holding the baby on only one side or bending over frequently to breastfeed. These movements create muscle imbalances and affect the natural curve of the spine.

If you recognize any of these causes, you may also find a way to deal with your back pain more effectively.