Sit Up Straight: Could Poor Posture Be To Blame For Back Pain?
You may be surprised about the valid reasons for your pain symptoms!
Most people have difficulty sitting and standing straight. Many of us recall our parents and instructors telling us that excellent posture is the key to good health later in life!
We all rolled our eyes at the time since the requirement seemed inconvenient! However, as we age, we learn that proper posture is about more than just looking good! Back discomfort can be avoided by sitting and standing with proper spinal alignment.
Bad posture may be the source of your back pain. Allow our clinic to assist you in learning about the advantages of physical therapy for back pain. Request an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of good posture and how physical therapy can help you achieve it for yourself!
The link between back pain relief and good posture
Your spine is meant to operate in a specific way. Each time you move, sit, or stand in ways that disrupt your spine’s correct position and operation, you can create long-term problems.
One strategy to work to reduce back pain is to practice excellent posture with the guidance of a qualified physical therapist. When you start physical therapy, you’ll learn how to develop proper posture, notice when you’re not doing so, and discover various ways that healthy movement patterns can help you manage your back pain.
Some ways that developing good posture through physical therapy can help you avoid back pain are as follows:
1. Improved Posture With Everyday Activities
When we hear “good posture,” we usually think of how we sit or stand, yet good posture is vital all our lives!
During physical therapy, your therapist will teach you how to maintain proper posture during sports and everyday activities like running or walking. Improving your overall posture will reduce the daily wear and tear on your spine and reduce your chances of experiencing back pain as a result of these activities.
2. Good Posture Encourages Flexibility and Strength
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Correct posture can enhance your productivity and attitude, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently.”
It’s generally wise to consider that learning to maintain good posture won’t be easy if you haven’t had it for a long time. Physical therapy may take some time to help you build the strength and flexibility you need to maintain proper posture and spinal alignment.
Your general fitness will improve due to your work and the effort you put in with your physical therapist to attain your objective. The more flexible you become, the more strength you’ll have, and the less likely you will experience back pain.
3. Avoiding Incorrect Anatomical Changes
Did you know how you utilize your spine might induce structural changes in your body? That is correct. Excessive tension from sitting slumped over can harm your spinal discs, muscles, joints, and the nerves and blood vessels running through your spine.
Fortunately, physical therapy treatment at St. Elizabeth Sports & Physical Therapy can usually reverse the issue. With targeted workouts, stretches, and information, your body can learn to sit and stand appropriately!
4. Encourages Good Circulation
Your veins will not be as constricted by pressure on your vertebrae if you maintain good spinal alignment. Many spine components rely on good circulation to function properly and recover from regular wear and tear.
It may seem difficult at first, but as your physical therapist walks you through the many physical therapy exercises and techniques for maintaining excellent posture, you will become more adept at maintaining the alignment essential for optimal circulation.
5. Prevents Back Pain Caused by Improper Lifting
If you frequently move large objects, you must ensure that you have proper posture. Good posture is essential for lifting something without injuring yourself.
If you lift something and don’t employ appropriate posture, you’re more likely to injure your back.
Inquire with your physical therapist about maintaining the correct lifting posture. They can demonstrate proper lifting techniques and lead you through exercises to maintain proper posture.
Choosing physical therapy for back pain relief
Have you considered alternative back pain management choices, such as drugs or a costly surgery? Physical therapy is a safe, natural, and, most importantly, effective treatment of back pain caused by improper posture!
Physical therapists are the experts when it comes to teaching patients how to maintain excellent posture. Your physical therapist will explain its significance to you and provide the instructions you need to maintain it daily.
During your appointment, your therapist will do a full body assessment and determine the origins of your pain. Once that is understood, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your posture.
Remember that your physical therapist is your #1 supporter. If you ever doubt your ability to continue with treatment, we’re here to help and reassure you!
Therapy is considered a “work in progress,” and everyone’s treatment is different. If you doubt your ability to recover, don’t be afraid to consult with your physical therapist at St. Elizabeth Sports & Physical Therapy!
Don’t delay; request an appointment today!
If you are suffering from back pain, it could be the result of poor posture. Contact our physical therapy office today to set up a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists!