Posture and Chronic pain

Posture is the relative arrangements of parts of the body. Good posture will protect the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity. Poor posture is a common cause for low back pain and neck pain. Back support is especially important for patients who spend many hours sitting in an office chair or standing throughout the day. Many of the modern day jobs are restricted to desk. Majority of the software engineers and bank employees suffer from low back pain and neck pain because of bad posture. Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine. Over time, the stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, as well as problems with muscles, discs and joints. All of these can be major contributors to back and neck pain, as well as headaches and fatigue.

Most of the people with bad posture or pain syndrome ask advice for miracle exercise that will cure their dysfunction. Sure, exercise can help and be a big part of a program designed to deal with pain and posture. But more often than not, it is the little things in our everyday lives like posture that needs to be worked upon.

One should know by now that posture at the desk is important. If one is in this position for several hours at a time, can have BIG repercussions on the health. Get up often and be aware of any favouritism to any particular positions you might find yourself in. Reaching and twisting from a seated position is a big no-no. Try to organize your desk to be more spine friendly by putting often-used folders and materials within arm’s reach.

Sleeping: Our sleep posture is one of the most overlooked aspects of our life. We spend 1/3rd of our life sleeping in various positions that could have a large impact on the posture during the day. So which is the best position to sleep in? On the side, knees bent, pillow between the knees and head resting on a single pillow. Or if one prefer, on the back with a pillow under the knees, sheets loose, and again, a single pillow for the head. Using a hard mattress which gets moulded to the shape of the body is quite helpful in supporting the muscles and ligaments of the back.