Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities.
If any of the following guidelines causes an increase of back pain or spreading of pain to the legs, do not continue the activity and seek the advice of a doctor or physical therapist.
Your spine has natural curves that form an S-shape. Viewed from the side, the cervical and lumbar spines have a lordotic, or a slight inward curve, and the thoracic spine has a kyphotic, or gentle outward curve. The spine's curves work like a coiled spring to absorb shock, maintain balance, and to facilitate the full range of motion throughout the spinal column (see Anatomy of the Spine).
These curves are maintained by two muscle groups, flexors and extensors. The flexor muscles are in the front and include the abdominal muscles. These muscles enable us to flex, or bend forward, and are important in lifting and controlling the arch in the lower back.
The extensor muscles are in the back. These muscles allow us to stand upright and lift objects. Working together these muscle groups act as guy wires to stabilize your spine.
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting, or lying down.
Proper posture requirements:
- Good muscle flexibility
- Normal motion in the joints
- Strong postural muscles
- A balance of muscles on both sides of the spine
- Awareness of your own posture, plus awareness of proper posture which leads to conscious correction. With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down (as described below and on the following page) will gradually replace your old posture.
Proper Sitting Posture: Shoulders over hips, feet flat on the floor, low back support provided, and chin aligned over the chest.
Proper Sitting Posture at Desk: Posture should start with shoulders over hips with good low back support. Details include: elbows flexed to 90 degrees, knees bent to 90 degrees, feet flat on floor or supported with stool/ phonebook (enough that there is a finger width gap between the knee and the chair). Computer monitor should be at eye level, head position should include ears aligned with shoulders. The computers mouse should be close enough that the elbow remains in a bent position. Finally, pen/phones should be kept within 14-16 inches of reach.
Sit to Stand: Place your feet so that toes and knees are in line. Bend forward so your nose is over your toes. Push up from the chair with a controlled motion. Use your hands as needed.
Tying Shoes: Place your foot on your opposite knee to keep from bending too far forward.
Proper Bending and Reaching Technique (Golfers Lift): Please be aware that bending and lifting are contraindicated after lumbar fusion/kyphoplasty procedures. This technique is provided for the rare occasions when you absolutely require objects being picked up from the floor. Note that the subject has arranged herself in a position where she can use the leg as a lever arm to pull her body back up to its standing posture while maintaining a flat back.
Proper Sleeping Posture: When lying on your back a pillow support should be utilized under the knees. Remember a pillow should support the neck not the head.
Proper Sidelying Posture: Place the pillow support between the knees with another pillow support at the lumbar spine and a third pillow supporting the neck and head. The lumbar support pillow is only necessary if there is a gap between the bed and the waist.
Log Roll: With starting position lying on your back bend your knees.
Roll onto your side.
Keep your shoulders and hips together as a unit as you roll.
Place your top hand to the bed and push up while lowering your legs to the floor.
Slowly raise your body while lowering the legs to assume an upright position.
Getting into the Car
Getting out of the Car
Self care. Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are the most important things you can do for your back. The lower back (lumbar curve) bears most of your weight, so proper alignment of this section can prevent injury to your vertebrae, discs, and other portions of your spine. If you have back pain, you may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits and learn proper ways to lift and bend (see Self Care for Neck & Back Pain). Your workspace may need to be rearranged to keep your spine from slouching. Because extra pounds can make back pain worse, you should maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and body frame.
Exercise. Regular exercise is important to prevent back pain and injury. A program of strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises will improve your overall fitness level. Research has shown that people who are physically fit are more resistant to back injuries and pain, and recover quicker when they do have injuries, than those who are less physically fit (see Exercises: Back Stretches & Strengthening).
If you have more questions, please contact Mayfield Brain & Spine at 800-325-7787 or 513-221-1100.
Spine-health.com
Spineuniverse.com
updated: 12.2018
reviewed by: Lisa Cleveland, PT and Mary Kemper, Mayfield Clinic, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mayfield Certified Health Info materials are written and developed by the Mayfield Clinic. This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider.
We strive to manage patients as conservatively as possible. Exercise and physical therapy strengthens back and stomach muscles and prevents pain and injury.
At Mayfield, patients who come to us with neck and back problems are given a rapid review of their medical condition within a few days ... not weeks. It's a treatment process called Priority Consult.
To make an appointment call 513-221-1100.
'Laptop posture' creating a literal pain in the neck, spine specialists say
A listing of preferred physical therapy providers in the region that have been oriented to Mayfield's spine treatment processes. While there are many qualified physical therapists in the area, these providers have met our criteria for treating patients with spinal diseases and disorders.
Related links:
Mayfield Blog: Pillow basics from the Mayfield Physical Therapy team
Degenerative Disc Disease
Herniated Cervical Disc
Kyphoplasty
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