Poor Posture Leads to Back Pain
By Debra Rodzinak
Do you ever catch yourself slouching in your chair at work or hunched over your laptop? Maybe you are working in your flowerbed and hunch your back over to pull weeds? We are all guilty of poor posture, but what many people don’t realize is just how serious this problem is when related to back pain.
Poor Posture Promotes Pain
If poor posture hurts, then why do so many people slouch? This is a condition that does not have immediate consequences. You may not feel any pain when sitting for a few hours with poor posture. But over time, poor posture can place stress on the spine and lead to changes in the way the spine works. If part of the spine is compressed, the blood vessels and nerves in that area are compressed too. When done consistently, the muscles, discs, and joints that surround the spine become painful.
Some of the following characteristics are caused by poor posture:
- Back pain that seems worse at particular times of the day
- Pain the begins at the neck and moves to the upper and lower back
- After switching positions, the pain will disappear
- Back pain that occurs when sitting in a new chair, new car, or starting a new job
Proper Posture
It stands to reason that if poor posture caused your back pain that proper posture can help alleviate the pain. Keeping proper posture while sitting, walking, and lifting are necessary to having a strong and healthy back. For example:
- Walk Tall – When walking, look straight ahead and keep your head balanced on top of your spine. Sounds simple, right? Most people tend to look down, usually at their phones, when walking. Avoid drooping shoulder by imagining that someone has a broomstick across your shoulder blades. Finally, land on the heel of the foot and roll off of the front of the foot.
- Support Your Seat – Most people sit for up to eight hours a day. When sitting at work, maintain a proper posture by sitting with your back against the back of the chair, keep the arms at a 90-degree angle with the elbows, knees level with the hips or just above the hips, and keep the feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
- Lift the Right Way – So many people lift heavy objects improperly. To avoid back injury, follow these simple lifting rules: Keep your chest forward, lead with your hips, and keep the weight close to your body.
If you find that you have poor posture and have back pain, stand up (straight) and walk to The Joint to allow one of our expert chiropractors to get your spine in proper alignment. A healthy back begins with a properly aligned spine. Then follow the simple rules to maintaining proper posture and your back will be stronger and healthier in no time.