Posture
By
Karen Benford Smith
Back pain is one of the primary complaints of individuals
seeking medical attention and reasons for missing work. The chief complaint is low back pain with
symptoms that include muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, limited range of
motion, and the inability to stand erect.
Back pain can be eliminated or reduced by following these simple steps.
First, posture is an important part of the back pain
problem. Posture may be the leading
cause of lower and upper back pain. The
pressure that is added to the spinal nerves may cause a herniated disc. Overuse
of certain muscles may cause Myofascial pain, which affects the connective
tissue of the group of muscles in the lower back. If an individual corrects
poor posture either during extended times of standing, walking, and sitting
back pain may be reduced. Exercise is
another key component for strengthening back muscles. The exercises usually target muscles in the
back, shoulders, and abdomen. Another
way to control good posture is to practice deep breathing exercises. Yoga participants use deep breathing
exercises to strengthen core muscles.
These muscles in the core region of the body will help balance the
spinal cord and surrounding muscles as well as keep the body in proper
alignment.
Back muscles often become sore from strenuous exercise,
poor posture, or overuse. Some back treatment remedies that may be managed at
home are rest, heat and ice, over—the-counter pain medication, and analgesics
for muscular pain.
Back pain is the number one reason for individuals seek
medical consultation and absenteeism from work.
Practicing good posture while walking, standing, and sitting can
eliminate or minimize back pain.
