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Poor Posture
Research suggests that many spine problems are preventable because they result from poor posture and body mechanics, which subject the spine to abnormal stresses. Abnormal stress over time can lead to structural changes in the spine, including degeneration of disks and joints, lengthening or shortening of the supportive ligaments and muscles, and wear and tear of cartilage. All of these structural changes can lead to pain. However, there are many things that you can do each day to minimize current spine pain and prevent future episodes from occurring. (Think of your body, especially the spine, as a machine that needs regular care and maintenance to keep it functioning properly and efficiently. For example, does your car work properly when the alignment is off?) The key factors to taking care of your back and neck center around three concepts:
1. Learning and practicing good posture
2. Using good body mechanics during the day
3. Regular exercise
Posture
The foundation for good neck and back care starts with posture. Bad posture can be
the cause of spinal pain, it can make existing pain worse, and it certainly can make
the pain last a lot longer. Poor posture is also a factor in conditions such as chronic
headaches, TMJ dysfunction and shoulder pain. Many people spend large portions of
their day sitting or performing tasks that require bending forward or lifting. Think
about your lifestyle, the postures you assume, and the activities you perform each
day. The basis for good posture is maintaining a "neutral spine." A neutral spine
retains three natural curves: a small hollow at the base of the neck, a small roundness
at the middle back, and a small hollow in the low back. A neutral spine is neither
rounded forward nor arched back too much. Maintaining a neutral spine is a dynamic
process as you transition from one position to another.
Standing Posture
Let's look in detail at proper alignment in standing, from the bottom up:
· Feet should be shoulder width apart, thigh muscles elongated without locking the knees back.
· Maintain a small hollow in your low back, but avoid the tendency for too much arch/leaning back, especially with prolonged standing. The "tail" should remain slightly tucked down.
· Lift the breastbone. As you do this, the shoulder blades will move down in back. This should create a good distance from your hipbone to your rib cage.
· Make your chin level. The highest point of your body should be the top back region of your head. Relax your jaw and neck muscles. With the mouth closed, rest your tongue on the roof or your mouth.
A "wall test" can be performed to help practice good standing posture. Stand with
head, shoulders, and back against wall and heels about 5-
Sitting Posture
Next, let's examine proper sitting alignment, from the bottom up:
· Feet should be resting on the floor with knees and hips bent 90 degrees.
· Maintain an arch in the low back. If you are unsure how much arch is "good," go
from a slouched position up to the extreme end range of erect posture. Now back off
10-
· Lift your breastbone. Picture a string tied to the 2nd or 3rd top button on a shirt pulling straight up to the ceiling. This again creates a good distance from your ribcage to your hipbones. Your shoulder blades should be down in back. Think of the bottom tips of your shoulder blades as "anchors," helping you to maintain this upright posture.
· Make your chin level. If it helps, picture a book on your head. The highest point of your body should be the top back region of your head.
While it is okay to assume other positions for short periods of time, most of your sitting time should be spent as described to allow for the least stress on your spine. It is also strongly recommended to take frequent breaks from sitting and change your position, at least hourly if you have spine problems.
Posture While Driving
Good posture driving tips are as follows:
· Adjust the seat so that the back is vertical. Allow your back to be supported by the seat back and your head to rest against the headrest with your chin level.
· Knees should be bent to reach the pedals and they should be at the same height or higher than your hips.
· With hands on wheel, elbows should be slightly bent and relaxed.
· Avoid shoulder shrugging.
Sleeping Posture
Finally, let's look at some good postural tips for sleeping:
· In lying, the spine will be most comfortable when a neutral spine is maintained.
A sagging mattress or the use of more than one pillow will interfere with the neutral
spine position. A firm mattress is recommended-
· The best sleeping positions for someone with neck or back pain is either lying on the side or on the back. When lying on the side, a pillow between the knees helps keep the spine neutral. People who lie on their side without a pillow between the knees sometimes draw one knee up high and in front. This asymmetry can result in pain over time.
Whether lying on the back or sides, rolls can be added to support the natural curves of the spine in the neck or low back. A "cervical roll" can be used to support the neck. It is a foam roll, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 18 inches long that is placed inside the pillowcase along the lower border of a (preferably down or synthetic down) pillow. The roll is situated between the base of the head and the shoulders, supporting the curve of the neck and helping to maintain neutral alignment lying on the back or in side lying.
Posture Summary
In short, the key to good posture is awareness and perseverance. It is not easy to change poor postural habits, nor do the changes come quickly. However, if good posture is practiced, it becomes easier and you will find yourself preferring the "neutral alignment" to your previously poor position. In addition to feeling better, good posture also makes you look better. It is said that good posture can make you look 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger! Give it a try. The benefits are well worth the effort.
If you feel that you suffer from poor posture and need help, contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center today
at (847) 673-
health a priority!
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