We do all that we can to eliminate back pain. Some cases require physical therapy and epidural injections, while others may require more aggressive therapies such as surgery. When managing back pain, we want to alter our lifestyles to best accommodate for this. One of the simplest ways is to work on posture.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we provide pain management strategies not only for office visits, but for patients to take home with them as well. Good posture not only makes us look younger, but it also eliminates the hunch, promotes good health and mood, and reduces pain.
Good posture reduces pain and can even prevent health and musculoskeletal problems. Head, neck, and back pain are often the result of improper posture. In an effort to eliminate these symptoms, patients should focus on standing and sitting positions that balance the force of gravity evenly throughout their body. Putting too much stress and pressure on one part of the body can encourage pain to certain areas of the body and spine.
Working with a physical therapist can be very beneficial to promote pain relief. Physical therapists can provide strengthening exercises for the back while correcting form and freeing chronic pain.
Neglecting our core muscles can lead to debilitating chronic pain problems. Excessive sitting and compression will eventually take its toll on our bodies, and proper posture can help to correct this problem. Patients can hope for a productive and more active quality of life by strengthening their spine and posture.
If your job requires you to sit throughout most of the day, make sure that your workspace is set up appropriately. Your keyboard and fingers should be able to move freely with your hands and wrists at an even level. There should be enough room for your chair to pull forward so that your back is perpendicular with the floor.
Smartphones are one of the greatest offenders of back pain. Instead of hiding your phone in your lap and gawking over the screen, sit properly with your shoulders back and use the phone at eye level.
One of the biggest mistakes people make regarding their sleep positions is pillow height. A low pillow with more cushion under the neck than the head helps keep the spine straight. Placing a pillow between your legs will help reduce back pain as well.
Good posture is more than just rolling our shoulders back and opening up our chests. These small adjustments to your lifestyle will drastically help reduce spine pain and get you back to a better quality of life.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
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