Is Your Posture Causing Your Back Pain?
We’ve all heard it before – “sit up straight.” However, sometimes this seemingly simple task is easier said than done. While posture is such an important part of overall health, it is something that is constantly pushed to the backburner.
If you are experiencing back pain, there is a good chance it may be due to your posture. Sitting and standing with good spinal alignment can help prevent back pain, and one major focus of physical therapy is to teach patients how to practice proper posture techniques. Your physical therapist will help you understand the importance of posture and give you valuable training to help you achieve it every day.
If you are suffering from back pain, we can help you discover the benefits of physical therapy. Contact RDL PT today to schedule a consultation and get started on the path toward relief!
5 ways proper posture can relieve back pain:
Your spine is designed to operate in a very specific way. When you move, sit, and stand in ways that disrupt the correct operation of your spine, you may eventually create undesirable problems over time.
With the help of your physical therapist, practicing good posture is one way that can work with your spine in order to minimize your back pain. Physical therapy treatments will provide educational resources for good posture, and will help you discover several healthy movement patterns for relieving pain. 5 of the greatest benefits of maintaining proper posture include:
1.It encourages strength and flexibility.
If you have struggled with poor posture for a while, there is a good chance that it will be difficult to maintain proper posture in the beginning. It may take some time in physical therapy to gain the strength and flexibility necessary to keep your ideal posture. Fortunately, the work you do with your physical therapist to achieve your physical goals will lead to greater overall fitness. The stronger and more flexible you get, the less likely you are to suffer from back pain on a regular basis.
2.It improves function for all activities.
When we think of posture, many of us picture an image of static positions – such as sitting at a desk or standing up straight. However, proper posture can be (and should be) incorporated into everything we do.
Through physical therapy treatments, your physical therapist will guide you on how to maintain proper posture during all of your favorite activities, such as walking, running, and playing sports. The improved posture you adopt in each activity will lessen the wear and tear you put on your spine, which minimizes the risk of developing back pain from these activities.
3.It promotes circulation.
When you maintain proper spinal alignment, your veins are not constricted by the pressure of your vertebrae. Your spine contains numerous components that all require good circulation, in order to operate correctly and regenerate from damage.
When your physical therapist guides you through different physical therapy exercises to help with your posture, your alignment will return to the intended shape required for optimal circulation.
4.It prevents pain caused by improper lifting.
Good posture is a vital component of lifting objects without injury. When you lift and fail to use good posture, there is a much greater chance that you will wind up hurting your back.
Ask your physical therapist about proper lifting posture. He or she can show you how to lift correctly and guide you through some exercises to clarify the right posture.
5.It avoids harmful anatomical changes.
The ways in which you use your spine can actually cause changes to your anatomy. The stress caused by sitting hunched can eventually lead to damage of your muscles, joints, spinal discs, and the nerves and blood vessels that travel through your spine. Fortunately, in many cases the damage can be reversed, if you engage in targeted physical therapy treatments and learn how to maintain proper posture.
Contact us today:
If you are suffering from back pain, contact RDL PT today to set up your initial appointment. Our physical therapy team can help you get the relief you deserve!
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