Back Pain and Body Mechanics
Focusing on having good posture is extremely important to avoid back problems. It is important to have good posture when sitting, standing or lying down. When you have poor posture it causes misaligned bones in the spine which is a major cause of back pain.
Many people spend a lot of time working at the computer, driving, watching television or being bent over texting others on their cell phone. If they don't practice good posture and proper ergonomics, spinal problems and back pain are likely to occur. When sitting it is important to sit upright with the head back over the shoulders. When the head shifts forward it puts strain on the upper back and neck. It can cause a loss of the natural curve in the neck and an abnormally increased spinal curve in the upper and mid back. This can irritate the delicate nerves that come out of the spine.
When working at the computer or watching tv, the screen should really be set straight ahead at eye level. This may help to keep away from unnecessary turning of the neck which can trigger strained muscles or misaligned joints. The shoulders need to be relaxed and the hips and knees must be at 90 degrees. The feet really should be flat on the floor. It truly is important to get up and move around often as an alternative to permitting yourself to be within the identical position for prolonged periods of time. In the event you should turn, you ought to turn the entire body to avoid twisting the spine which can lead to injury.
When standing, it is also important to stand with the head back over the shoulders, avoiding forward head posture. The shoulders should be over the hips and the hips should be over the ankles. You should relax your knees and not lock them. Your balance should be distributed evenly over both legs. You should avoid leaning on one leg, as this can cause abnormal stress to one knee.
When you turn, it is best to turn the entire body, avoiding twisting of the low back. Turning along with your feet first can support to do this. Excessive twisting of the low back can contribute to disc problems inside the low back. You should also stay away from standing on hard surfaces. It is actually also good to wear shoes that have excellent arch assistance.
The average individual spends about a third of their life sleeping. It is important to preserve excellent posture when lying down. You'll want to by no means sleep on your stomach. This is poor for the spine. It's going to cause rotation of the spine and cause misaligned joints. It is important to preserve the normal curves of the spine when lying down. When sleeping on your side, slightly bending your knees and putting a pillow in between your knees can help to take pressure off your low back.
When sleeping on your back, putting a pillow under the knees can aid to take pressure off the low back. You should also steer clear of pillows that are too big or too small. Getting the appropriate pillow thickness is essential to preserve correct alignment of the bones within the neck and prevent muscle strain. You should also avoid sleeping on excessively soft sofas or recliners as these do not support the natural curves of the spine.
Dr. Leavitt is a chiropractic physician serving Knoxville and the surrounding areas. To learn more about alternative health go to his website here: knoxville chiropractors To locate Dr. Leavitt's clinic and see patient reviews go here: knoxville chiropractorsBack Pain and Body Mechanics
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