Practicing Proper Posture

PRACTICING PROPER POSTURE Poor posture contributes to a variety of health issues, including headaches, muscle fatigue, insomnia and especially neck and back pain. LOWER BACK PAIN is the leading cause of disability worldwide. 80% NEARLY 80% OF AMERICANS will experience some form of back pain. AN IMPROPERLY ALIGNED SPINE CAN put extra pressure on your muscles and ligaments- increasing your risk of injury and back pain. SIGNS OF POOR POSTURE Wondering if you have poor posture? Head or neck that is jabbing forward Slouched, hunched or ed shoulders Arched lower back or curved spine HOW-TO GUIDE FOR PERFECT POSTURE When sitting down When standing up Up to 70% of people spend 6+ hours a day sitting down. GOOD POSTURE is when your ears, shoulders and hips are all in a straight line. Sit up etraight with head level Head straight, chin slightly tucked Shoulders relaxed and slightly back Shoulders and back aligned Elbows close to body, bent between 0-120 degrees Weight evenly distributed Knees slightly bent Thighs and hips parallel to the floor e Proper-fitting shoes Foot firmly on ground with legs not crossed Sitting properly may reduce pressure on your back and help improve your posture HELP PREVENT LOWER BACK PAIN by maintaining proper posture YES NO WHEN LIFTING heavy objects, lift with your legs, not your back WHEN WALKING, keep your head straight and walk heel to toe MOST IMPORTANTLY, make an effort to always be aware of your posture Keeping your body aligned will help improve your posture, which may help prevent back pain BROUGHT TO YOU BY: North American Spine The Leader in Minimally Invasive Spine Care a SOURCES: http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T21ID=68 http://www.healthcommunities.com/back-pain/posture-problems.shtm http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-Iliving/adult-health/indepth/back-pain/art-20044526 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/ sitting-disease/bgp-20056238 http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/low-back-pain-what-increases-your-risk https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/positions.html