Sports & Ortho PT: How Posture Affects Pain

Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Start This Season Without Pain!”

HOW POSTURE AFFECTS NECK & BACK PAIN

INSIDE:

• What Can Good Posture Do For You? • Healthy Recipe • Relieve Back Pain In Minutes • Patient Success Spotlight • Sudoku Puzzle

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The Posture and Pain Connection Not all back pain is caused by poor posture, and it is true that you can have poor posture for years without feeling the consequences of that slouch right away, but in time the habit is likely to catch up with you.There are certain ways that you can tell if neck or back pain may be a result of poor posture, including: • The pain in your back is worsened at certain times of day.  For example, after you’ve spent a day at the office, or after a few hours on the couch. • The pain frequently starts in your neck and moves into your upper and lowerback.Pain thatseems to travel fromoneareaof theback toanother is frequently an indication of posture concerns. • The pain will subside after switching positions, such as switching from sitting to standing or vice versa. • Backorneckpain thatdevelopssoonafterachange incircumstances,such as starting a new job with a new desk chair, or getting a new car. After years of practicing poor posture, your back, shoulder and neck muscles will likely find standing or sitting with straight posture to be uncomfortable. This is because your muscles have grown accustomed to the slouching, and standing up straight will require some thorough stretching.That doesn’t mean that once you have bad posture you can never correct it. Working with a physical therapist to improve your posture is a great way to overcome chronic neck and back pain. In physical therapy, you will be guided

through a series of stretches and strength building exercises that can help you begin training your body to practice better posture, thereby reducing your back and neck pain. Of course, there are ways that you can improve your posture at home, as well. Here are several strategies that are typically helpful: • Try to stand tall whenever you are standing or walking. Hold your head high and square your shoulders, but more importantly work on being the tallest version of yourself. Hunching over is the leading cause of poor posture. • Use support when you sit to keep your posture correct. Lumbar support in office chairs and car seats will help a bit, but for improved posture you may need to add additional cushioning that will help you keep your back straight. • Bemindfulofhowyou liftheavyobjects.Keepyourshoulderssquareandyour chest forward. When lifting something that is over 50 lbs it is important to take extra care. Lead with your hips and try to keep the weight close to your body. Lifting something improperly can lead to injury to your neck or back, which may make proper posture uncomfortable. No one understands movement like we do! Come experience real pain relief with our physical therapists at Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy by scheduling an appointment today!

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