Posture 101

POSTURE 101 If you're reading this on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, you're probably slouching right now. Sedentary lifestyles and demanding, technology-driven desk jobs are leading to a global epidemic of poor posture and back problems. Learn more about the damaging effects of "iPosture" - you'll definitely sit up and take notice. THE CHRONIC BURDEN OF BACK PAIN Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. 8 in 10 adults will experience lower back pain in their lifetime. At this moment, up to 2nd most common of American adults report suffering from back pain within the past 3 months (2011) reason for visits to 28.4% the doctor 31 million Americans are affected by back pain of British 18 to Americans spend over $50 billion per year on expenses related to back pain 84% 24-year-olds experienced back pain in 2013 A NATION IN A SLUMP Key indicators of poor posture Neck tilted Shoulders too far hunched forward or • Body slumped back while seated Lower back • Pelvis tilted rounded forward Common causes of poor posture Carrying heavy objects Weak Ill-fitting Sitting for Hunching over mobile devices long periods on one Unsupportive core side shoes Stress office furniture muscles Poor posture isn't just associated with pain - it is also linked to: Poor Reduced Digestive problems Depression circulation confidence STRAIGHTEN UP AND BANISH BACK PAIN! If you're coping with back pain, try these tips: Check on Apply alternating hot and cold packs your mattress Bring in the professionals Take that yoga class Get some over-the-counter pain relief Make sure your office chair has Place your lower back support computer screen 18-22 inches away Take action to improve your posture from yourself Choose workouts that boost core strength and flexibility -Wear Stand up and Look straight ahead when walking and sitting down comfortable, walk around low-heeled every 20 shoes minutes SOURCES http://www.thelancet.com/themed/global-burden-of-disease http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1|D=13&T2ID=68 www.inthefaceofpain.com/content/uploads/2012/05/factsheet_Back.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus12.pdf#highlights http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68 http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/iposture-blamed-surging-back-pain-young-adults-article-1.1472870#ixzz2z2SABcbP http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68 http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/identifying-incorrect-posture http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/05/02/are-you-sitting-yourself-to-death http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/surprising-back-pain-simple-steps-relief/story?id%3D19376456 http://www.lhj.com/health/pain-management/back-pain/7-myths-about-bad-posture-dispelled/ http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/how-bad-posture-affects-your-health-and-happiness http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/back-pain-and-sciatica http://www.activecareclinic.com/Posture.php http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/identifying-incorrect-posture http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/15-ways-to-cure-your-back-pain http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/back-pain-and-sciatica http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htm %24