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Sep 12

Good Sitting Posture For A Vibrant, Pain-Free Back

Posted on Saturday, September 12, 2009 in Back Pain Relief

Although much attention is given to our posture while standing, like many years of mom telling us to stand up straight or to stop slouching, it is also incredibly important to maintain good posture while sitting down in a chair. In fact, since most of us spend a lot of our time sitting at work, while commuting, eating, relaxing, or watching television, our posture can be even more important while seated in a chair.

The spine consists of an outward curve in the upper back and an inward arch further down. If either is not aligned properly, and is not kept in check via correct resting posture, then numerous pains can develop. Also, since this natural support is crucial to efficient bodily function, we will fatigue more easily if both arches are not receiving constant support from the many muscles of the back and spine.

There are several important aspects of good sitting posture of which it is essential to be aware. Each re-enforces the other such that neglecting any one will make your entire effort less effective.

First, you should be seated with your head lifted upright and your neck relaxed, not craning or straining at all. Most people unconsciously sit with their heads tilted forward and down while sitting at a desk, especially while working at their computer. Hunching forward puts undo strain on all the muscles in the back causing them to become weaker over time.

It is also important to keep the shoulders relaxed and lowered away from the ears. With the shoulders lowered, the spine should be as vertically aligned as possible. Much of your body’s support is derived from this vertical alignment. Deviating in any direction places extra strain on the muscles of the back and spine.

While seated, also keep the pelvis tilted forward to avoid putting any weight on the sensitive tailbone area. Tilting the pelvis helps you sit on your leg bones rather than the tailbone and always remember to take frequent breaks, giving yourself the time to stand and stretch your muscles and increase the flow of blood.

If at all possible, try tilting the seat of your chair forward. Not only will this help encourage a forward pelvic tilt, but it will also help correctly align the spine and re-enforce its natural, supportive curves.

The lower abdomen should be drawn in slightly which gives structural support and also allows for a natural curve in the lumbar spine to help support your weight better.

These practices may feel tiring or unnatural, especially at first. If this is true for you, a postural exercise routine may help by exercising specific muscle groups in ways that will help them provide the best support for an efficient posture. Such programs are an excellent investment for anyone who takes their health seriously.

Anyone can improve posture.  Make it a point to become aware of your own specific habits and how your back and neck are aligned while seated in a chair. Assess all of your work areas, how you sit while “comfortable” at home, and consciously begin to train your body to adapt to the best sitting posture, allowing you to feel better all over.

 

Aug 25

Natural Back Pain Relief - How To Improve Posture Naturally

Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in Back Pain Relief

Back pain seems to be a topic of discussion more frequently than it was a decade ago and with good reason. Our bodies are not made to slump in a chair all day or to be leaning into a desk at a computer. Back pain can be excruciating and place limits on everyday functions.

The vast majority of people simply don’t realize that as their life changes with regards to the way in which they are required to use their bodies, it becomes necessary for them to make certain changes with regards to the way they take care of their bodies. Interestingly enough, the vast majority of back pain can be cured both easily and naturally, unless of course, you’ve been involved in some form of an accident at some point in your life which has in turn resulted in serious damage. Even then, there are numerous exercise programs capable of at least helping to reduce the amount of pain you experience.

Of course, as you can well imagine, your overall well being depends largely on your back, just as does youth and vitality. In fact, we’re only able to maneuver our bodies because the lower back supports most of our weight.

The reason why the lower back carries such a vast amount of weight is because it curves inwards naturally. However, if the vertebrae begin to move and slip out of alignment for one of many reasons such as stress, tension, and poor posture, then you can be sure you’ll be experiencing back pain as a result. You need to bear in mind that if you’re experiencing back pain, it’s because your back his trying to let you know that something is wrong. As such, one should never attempt to cover it up by taking painkillers, or even worse, by going for surgery.

Essentially, you need to get to the root of the problem and in most cases that will mean you need to correct your posture. Unfortunately however, many people lack the necessary muscular endurance required for holding the spine in suitable alignment throughout the day. On the other hand, other people may end up becoming tense due to stress and as such, the muscles will soon become tired.  Simply put, have better posture and you have better health.

The first thing anyone should do in order to get rid off back pain, is they should find and practice a suitable posture program in order to teach the body how to maintain proper alignment in a natural, comfortable position. By training your body to hold your back in a suitable alignment, you’ll be doing much in order to avoid repeated back pain.  Natural back pain relief is the safest, most effective long-term way to reduce back pain and improve posture.

Strengthening exercises will guarantee that your muscles do not get tired, stretching exercises will increase your flexibility and relaxation exercises will help those tense muscles release. An overall body awareness program needs to be put into place and with these measures practices, you can find and maintain good alignment.

Undeniably, the key to success regarding a life free of back pain is awareness. Providing you’re willing to follow a few of the rules mentioned in this article, you’ll soon find yourself gaining confidence and also living without back pain. Lastly, you need to make sure you pay attention not only to good posture, but also to stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. Failure to do so will simply result in your bad habits returning and before long, you’ll be suffering once again.