AgeWell: How Posture Affects Back & Neck Pain

HOW POOR POSTURE CONTRIBUTES TO BACK PAIN

vessels and nerves over time. Furthermore, this causes problems with the joints, discs and muscles.

It is important to take care of your spine. Good posture eliminates many of the health problems that can develop when the spine has an unhealthy posture. Since you perform many different movements and positions throughout the day (sitting, standing, bending, stooping, lying down, etc.) it is important to learn how to keep correct posture. Maintaining good posture during the day results in less back pain. When you correct bad posture habits, the new and improved movements tend to become more automatic and require very little effort to maintain. At AgeWell Physical Therapy we train you on the best way to attain and hold your posture throughout the day. We help you relieve your back pain quickly while improving your posture for maximum, long term results! Discover how our therapists can improve your posture and relieve your back or neck pain, allowing you to live a happy, active and pain-free life.

When your spine is not in proper alignment, the muscles, ligaments and joints are all under excessive strain, causing most episodes of back pain. The lower back supports most of the weight of the body and therefore is the most vulnerable to the effects of poor posture. Discs, which provide support between the spinal bones (vertebrae), are also affected from poor posture. However, with good posture, the spine is in proper alignment and the shock absorbing discs are not as subject to injury.

Contact your physical therapist to learn more about how you can take steps to start improving your posture today.

Often with poor posture, the spine will become fixed in an abnormal position. This leads to the constriction of blood

HEALTHY RECIPE: APPLE, GOAT CHEESE, & PECAN PIZZA

INGREDIENTS • 1lb six-grain pizza crust

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• Cooking spray

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 3 cups thinly sliced Fuji apple

• 1 1/2 tsp honey

• 1 cup crumbled goat cheese

• 2 cups baby arugula

• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

• 3 tbsp chopped pecans, toasted

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 450°. Place pizza crust on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Arrange apple slices evenly over pizza crust; top with cheese. Sprinkle thyme evenly over cheese. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown. Combine oil and next 3 ingredients (through honey) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add arugula; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle pecans evenly over pizza; top with arugula mixture. Cut pizza into 6 wedges.

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