Could your posture be the cause of that back pain?

Numerous factors contribute to poor posture. Most people spend about eight hours a day working. This can cause overworking of certain parts of the body, and consequently weaken others. When some parts of the body are pulled more, the posture tends to shift in that direction, and this can lead to poor posture. PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• Numerous factors contribute to poor posture. Most people spend about eight hours a day working. This can cause overworking of certain parts of the body, and consequently weaken others.
• When some parts of the body are pulled more, the posture tends to shift in that direction, and this can lead to poor posture.

By REBECCA MUTHONI
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Good posture enables the muscles to function more efficiently.

To begin with, it minimises stress on the ligaments that hold joints together, therefore reducing the risk of an injury.

It also helps to prevent common problems like muscle strain, headache, fatigue, and neck or back pain. In addition, good posture helps to boost self-confidence.

Think about it, don’t models on a catwalk project positive energy?

Numerous factors contribute to poor posture. Most people spend about eight hours a day working.

This can cause overworking of certain parts of the body, and consequently weaken others. When some parts of the body are pulled more, the posture tends to shift in that direction, and this can lead to poor posture.

How to maintain good posture

•   Sit up straight: Sit with your back supported on the chair to avoid leaning forward or slouching. Keep your head upright, shoulders straight, ensure that the neck, back, and heels are aligned. Keep your knees and legs at 90 degrees level, and avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
•   If working on a computer, place it at a level that is neither too low nor too high, directly facing you. The keyboard should be right in front of you.
•   Take breaks. It is important to occasionally stand up for a few minutes, walk, or stretch, after all, the body was not made for sitting all day long, so physical activity is important.
•   When lifting a heavy load, ensure that you balance it, to avoid stressing your muscles. When carrying heavy luggage, for example a suitcase or handbag, keep switching the luggage from arm to arm to avoid straining muscles in one side of body.
•   Stretch regularly. Stretching improves flexibility, reduces risk of injury by getting the muscles ready before an activity, and helps to correct posture by relaxing tight muscles that might have pulled from their original position.
•   Take part in activities such as swimming and yoga, and have an occasional massage to help release tension in the muscles.
•    Use a form roller to stretch tight muscles. Emphasise on the largest areas of the muscle first, while applying just a small amount of pressure and then roll slowly.
•   Wearing very high heels will cause imbalance, and lead to back pain. If you have to wear high heels, wear those that are two inches high, not higher.
•    Do not read or watch movies while lying on the bed, since this can strain the muscles.
•   Encourage your children to play outdoors instead of staying indoors watching TV or playing video games, since this could lead to poor posture and weaken the muscles.
•   Heavy school bags will not only strain your child’s muscles, leading to back pain, but will also lead to a crooked posture. They should carry only the books they need.