Back and Neck Pain Is More Likely With Poor Posture

Poor posture may not be the only cause of back pain, but it certainly contributes. Never before have our lifestyles been as sedentary as they are currently. Office and computer workers sit in nearly one position all day long and type, elderly who are unable to move around as they once did, and even children are susceptible to neck pain through the excessive use of video games and lack of exercise.

Particularly exposed to the threat of back and neck injury, are health care workers, who are expected to lift and move patients unable to do so themselves. Often improper lifting, or lack of exercise, can cause health care workers to sustain injury to their back and neck muscles.

There are ways to prevent these kinds of injuries to the spine and muscles however. One such way is through activity. Even something as simple as a 20 minute walk every day has the potential to give your muscles much needed exercise and allow your body to strengthen through the movement.

If you are required to lift anything, or anyone, remember to practice safe lifting techniques by bending at your knees. This will help to preserve the health of your back, neck, and spine while avoiding unnecessary strain or injury.

Although anyone can benefit from stretching, elderly people with arthritis need to perform mild stretches every morning over the entire body to release any stiffness.

For those who work indoors in offices or at computers all day, try to take breaks periodically to give your body a chance to move around. Even a quick bathroom break can be turned into a few moments of exercise if you walk briskly and stretch your muscles. Be sure that the chair you use at your desk offers ample support for your back to help keep it straight, that you use wrist supports on your keyboard and mousepad, and get up slowly if you have been sitting for a long time.