Tips to lessen back pain. Part three; Standing correctly

How many times have you heard your parents, teachers or some other authoritative figure tell you to stand up straight, put your shoulders back, hold your head or chin up?

Annoying as it is, it isn’t always just empty rhetoric, they actually had a point. Standing incorrectly can stretch the spinal ligaments and cause aching and stiffness in your back, this will eventually lead to back pain. To improve your postures try the following:

• Try to stand so that a vertical line will go from your ear, down to your shoulder, hip and ankle.
• Try to stand with your weight evenly balanced on both feet.
• Stand upright with your head facing forwards.
• Avoid slouching.
• Check your footwear (High heels tip the lower part of the body forwards, which leads to arching the upper body backwards to compensate) this puts stress on the back.
• Try to have your working area, (where your hands are), at about elbow height, ergonomic desks and tables are designed with this in mind.

There are several techniques that have had some success in improving posture, thus lessening the incidence and severity of back pain; one of these is the Alexander technique. It offers an individualised approach designed to develop lifelong skills that help you recognise and understand poor habits that can load the spine.

Always consult your GP before undertaking any treatments…