Keeping It Straight: Adopting a Good Posture To Alleviate Back Pain

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Back pain doesn’t spare any one based on gender, age, or occupation. While its instant causes, such as an accident, a condition like scoliosis, or a sport-related injury, can be obvious, routine daily activities can also set it off.

Tasks like sitting on a chair in front of a computer or desk for a long period, and lifting and carrying heavy bags repeatedly can produce muscle tightness and tension, leading to back pain. However, the condition can be prevented through exercise and proper posture.

Posture is not exclusive to standing—it is the way a person holds the body in other positions and activities such as sitting, walking, and performing tasks like bending and reaching. Good posture aligns the bones of the spine, preventing. Proper posture also alleviates pain in other body parts like the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Here’s how to practice good posture:

Standing

Stand straight and tall with the shoulders on the back, stomach in, and knees unlocked. Weight must be on the balls of the feet, and the hands must naturally hang on the sides.

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Sitting

The height of the chair must allow the feet to rest flat on the floor. The thighs must also be parallel to the floor. The upper back and neck must be comfortably straight, and the shoulders should be relaxed. Leg crossing should also be avoided.

Practicing good posture might feel unnatural at first, but it will improve and feel second nature over time. Good posture improves appearace and relieves back and body pain.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi, MD is an accomplished neurosurgeon who currently holds clinic at Tesson Heights Orthopaedic & Arthroscopic Associates, P.C. Learn more about his professional work by visiting this LinkedIn page.