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Postural
Alterations-
Take the time to observe
how you sit, and how you feel while performing these various tasks. If pain is
already a factor keeping you from maintaining good posture, schedule an appointment,
postural changes and remodeling of the spine may already be taking place. Also,
observe others and notice what they may be doing wrong. Family, friends and especially
children should be checked as well, to avoid future problems. |
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Proper Sitting Posture |
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Is
it any wonder why Chronic Back Pain is so prevalent in our
society?
Bad posture is the first symptom that we have spinal problems.
When
we slump or slouch it increases the size of the space where the nerves exit the
spine, removing pressure thus relieving pain. Most people do not recognize how
big of a problem poor posture really is. Detecting Postural Alterations are the
key to understanding back problems.
From
a biomechanical standpoint, Postural Alterations cause the areas
around the injury joint to become overworked and stressed. Because
of this abnormal stress and torsion on the spine creates Degenerative Problems
that can lead to Osteoarthritis. Bad posture should be the first sign of Subluxation,
and is the first Warning Sign that we need to
have our spines examined.
Correct posture must be maintained at all time:
We work 1/3 of our life, Sleep 1/3, and the other 1/3 we do a variety of activities. |
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Proper Sleeping Posture |
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Because sleep is so important
for our muscles and body to rest, proper posture must be maintained
while we rest. The proper sleeping posture is on your back or
on your side, but never on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach
will stretch and strain the ligaments and muscles of the neck
and surrounding areas. The proper mattress is also an important
facet to sleeping posture. As demonstrated to the left, a mattress
that is too soft can cause your back to sway, likewise a mattress
that is too hard will not support your spine the way that it
should be. Finding a mattress that supports your specific body
type is important to relieving back pain that is induced by sleeping
postures.
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Driving Posture |
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There is almost twice as much pressure on the
back when sitting incorrectly than there is when you stand
properly, so sitting correctly while driving is very important.
When you drive, your knees should be level with your hips.
For more comfort, you can use a rolled-up towel, jacket or
commercial back support in the seat behind you. Because reaching
towards the wheel increases the pressure on the lumbar spine,
it puts significant stress on your neck, shoulders and wrist.
To compensate, you should sit as close to the steering wheel
as possible – as long as you still feel safe.
Tips:
- Relaxing at the wheel: A relaxed driving
position reduces stress on the spine
- Always adjusting the seat when you enter the car
- Taking regular breaks from driving - once every two
hours or so
- Unload items off the back seat from the back doors
of the car, rather than the front
- Don't wear tight clothes while driving |
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Bending and Lifting
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Proper
lifting technique will reduce the risk for spine injury. Keep
the back straight and bend the legs and
hips when lifting; this reduces stress on the back. Avoid lifting
objects higher than your waist whenever possible. Face the
object you wish to lilt. When lilting hold the objects close
to the
body. Do not twist while lilting. When possible push rather
than pull an object, which is easier on the back. Seek help
lifting
when necessary. Lift cautiously with moderate speed. |
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Pain Stops at Dopps! |
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Postural Alterations can also
occur from painful stimulus. Antalgic Postures will cause us
lean away from pain, thus causing the same stress as mentioned
above. Chronic spinal pain will cause the spine to wear out quickly
due to the increased motion and at that specific joint. |
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