Posture 101

Spine and neck pain will afflict nearly 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. The spine doctors at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics say one of the most common causes of that pain is poor posture.

The following tips will keep you aligned, help improve your posture, and reduce your chances of suffering from back pain later in life:

Strengthen supporting muscles. The spine is supported by two large muscle groups: the core, or abdomen, and the paraspinal, or muscles that run from the neck down the length of the spine. Keeping these muscle groups strong through exercises such as crunches and sit-ups (for the core) and walking, running, and spinning (for the paraspinal group) will help to support the spine and improve posture.

Align your body. A majority of a person's day is spent either standing or sitting, so great emphasis should be put on proper posture. Keeping your hips in line with your back and standing tall will improve your posture and reduce your risk of experiencing pain in the years to come.

Remember ergonomics. Like most people, you probably sit for many hours at a time. Put something soft in the natural curves of the back for added support.

For women in particular, good posture is very important. Strengthening the core and paraspinal muscles can mean less problematic pregnancies and labor.

For more information on the treatment and prevention of back pain, call Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at (559) 256-5200 or visit our online Patient Education Center.