30/10/2021
Why is it important to take care of your spine?
Our back is an important muscle in your body. It has a level of strength and flexibility to carry you through your day that is phenomenal – however, because of this, it is also susceptible to problems. When you develop problems in your lower back, this can extend to your legs and hips, henceforth taking care and protecting your back is important. Many of us experience back pain, but it is normally manageable and can improve within a few weeks or months.
But some people suffer from back pain in a workplace through sitting at a desk for long periods of time, heavy lifting or driving, but there are many things that could be done to help you prevent injury or pain. The muscles and ligaments stretch a lot and any excessive movement can cause tears, tissue damage and even muscle strain.
Posture and Body Mechanism:
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.
The spinal curves:
Our spine has natural curves that form an S-shape. 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.
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.
What is good posture?
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting, or lying down.
Proper posture requirements:
1. Good muscle flexibility
2. Normal motion in the joints
3. Strong postural muscles
4. A balance of muscles on both sides of the spine
5. Awareness of your own posture, plus awareness of proper posture which leads to conscious correction.