Maintaining good posture is a simple yet effective way to keep the structures in the back and spine in good working order. Good posture and back support are essential in reducing back and neck pain. Even sitting at a desk all day can wreak havoc on the back and neck, resulting in pain.
Good Posture
The Cleveland Clinic Department of Patient Education and Health Information defines posture as the position in which one holds his or her body upright against gravity. Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in ways to place the least amount of strain on muscles and ligaments. There are many physical benefits to having good posture, such as:
- • Keeping your bones and joints in the correct alignment to ensure that muscles work properly
- • Decreasing abnormal wear on joint surfaces
- • Decreasing the stress on ligaments which hold the spine together
- • Preventing the spine from fixing in an abnormal position
- • Lessening fatigue
- • Preventing strains, backaches and muscular pain
Contributions to Bad Posture
Though it is not a conscious decision most of the time, many workers have bad posture which can result in injuries. Here are some common behaviors that contribute to bad posture:
- • Shoulders hunched forward while slouching
- • Forming a “swayback” (also known as lordosis) in which there is an inward curve in the lower back
- • Carrying a heavy load on one side of the body
- • Cradling a phone receiver between the neck and shoulder
- • Slumping or sliding in a forward position in a chair
Helpful Solutions
Want to ease strains and prevent back and neck pain? Here are some helpful tips for standing, sitting and lying down:
Standing Properly:
- • Put your chin in and keep your head up
- • Keep your earlobes in line with the middle of your shoulders
- • Keep shoulder blades back and chest forward
- • Keep your knees straight and tuck in your stomach Read More
