X

THE PAIN CENTER BLOG

Our blog is designed to help our patients live a happier and healthier life.

03Sep

How Posture Affects Your Back

Back Pain | | Return|

Poor posture has been shown to provoke back pain. While pain and other uncomfortable effects may not be felt after only a few hours of sitting with poor posture, it does place a lot of stress on the spine and can lead to anatomical changes over time. Slouching and other poor posture positions constrict the nerves and blood vessels in the back, resulting in pain and problems with the joints, muscles, and discs in the area. There are varying degrees of back pain that one can experience as a result of bad posture when sitting, walking or lifting. It can be sharp and sudden or arise gradually. Some pain will be worse depending on the time of day, while others will experience the pain in one area of the back before it spreads and moves to another area. Some pain only presents itself when a person is standing or sitting in a particular position, allowing the person to feel relief when they adjust themselves.

 

Posture When Sitting

Since poor posture is the leading cause of back pain, good posture is the best way to address prevention and maintenance, in the majority of cases. Since people spend a majority of their work day sitting in an office chair in front of a computer, there are several habits to focus on in order to maintain and build a healthy posture when sitting:

 

  • Press your back against your chair rather than hunching over
  • Make shoulders tall
  • Level your head over the spine
  • Keep knees level with hips
  • Press feet into the ground
  • Engage arms and flex them at the elbows

 

Posture When Walking

The importance of posture during walking should also be considered. Whether you are casually strolling or power-walking for exercise, the position of the spine is crucial for back health. While walking:

  • Keep the head in line with the spine
  • Look forward
  • Remain tall
  • Avoid drooping the shoulders
  • Make sure to land on the heel when stepping

 

Posture When Lifting

More commonly known and discussed is the appropriate posture to protect your back when lifting objects. Lifting a heavy object incorrectly can cause long-term damage and pain. When lifting be sure to:

  • Keep the chest forward and lifted
  • Use knees bent
  • Rely on the hips to lift and to change directions
  • Avoiding putting strain on the lower back
  • Keep objects to be lifted as close to the body as possible

These rules are not exclusive to heavy lifting; rather, they should be exercised and followed when lifting any object. Though back pain is not always avoidable, these tips can help reduce risk.

If chronic pain is ruining your life click HERE to contact the Pain Center to discuss your options!

 

Pain Management Idaho | Boise Pain Center 

Related

What is the Process for Spinal Cord Stimulators?

What is the Process for Spinal Cord Stimulators?

The process of implanting a Spinal Cord Stimulator is virtually the same whether it is for a Convent...

Read More >
Is Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation Effective for Lower Back Pain?

Is Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation Effective for Lower Back Pain?

Back pain is a common condition that many people experience. In fact, over 80% of the world's po...

Read More >
Nerve Roots and Medial Branch Blocks

Nerve Roots and Medial Branch Blocks

When patients are experiencing pain in the spinal area, a medial branch block is sometimes carried o...

Read More >
What Can a Pain Management Doctor do for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

What Can a Pain Management Doctor do for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Low back pain is widespread and can lead to long-term disability among many people. When you have pa...

Read More >
Is There a Way to Cure the Pain That Comes From Cancer?

Is There a Way to Cure the Pain That Comes From Cancer?

News of cancer is devastating enough to cause a lot of mental stress and emotional trauma. Physical ...

Read More >
The Main Benefits of Seeing a Pain Specialist

The Main Benefits of Seeing a Pain Specialist

We all suffer pains & aches from time to time. However, the pain becomes a “real pain” when it doe...

Read More >

CONTACT US

Our entire practice revolves around helping patients feel better. Pain is a fact of life, until it interferes with the joys of living. Sandra Thompson, MD and The Pain Center have innovative and comprehensive solutions to all forms of discomfort.

All insurances accepted.

Phone Number:

Boise Phone: (208) 342-9800
Boise Fax: (208) 342-4223
Caldwell Phone: (208) 342-9800
Caldwell Fax: (208) 455-5190

 

Email Us:

admin@thepaincenterinc.com

Address:

Boise: 633 N. 4th St. Boise, ID 83702
Caldwell: 1825 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605

Hours:

Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: Closed

ABOUT US

We are a group of pain management experts dedicated to helping patients live life better.

 READ MORE

FOLLOW US

If you would like to see how we are helping the community live better, check out The Pain Center on social.

STOP BACK PAIN

Premier back pain treatments that will help reduce, relieve and improve your overall quality of life. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of service and results.

 READ MORE