What is good posture?
People always ask us ‘Doc, what is good posture?’ In our opinion, good posture involves training your body to move and function where the least strain is placed on bones, joints and soft tissues.
What can good posture do for you? Good posture can optimize breathing and circulation; maintain the bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly and efficiently; help reduce or prevent the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative diseases, such as arthritis; decrease the stress on the soft tissues, such as ligaments, muscles, tendons and discs; and prevent the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions. But there’s more! Good posture can also prevent fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy; prevent postural strain or overuse problems; prevent neck or back pain and muscle fatigue, plus it contributes to a healthy image or appearance.
When sitting, adjust your chair height so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees, and be sure your feet are supported by the floor or a footrest. Avoid sitting for long periods of time; get up from your chair at least once every hour. And, do not twist or bend your back from a seated position
Do you have a long commute or spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel? Use these tips to avoid the lower back aches and pains from driving.
1. Adjust Your Seat: Take the time to adjust your seat to fit you. Adjust the height, the distance and the backrest angle so that you are comfortable. Sometimes, you may need to purchase an additional cushion to properly support the low back.
2. Change Your Posture: Remember to move around in your seat to alleviate postural fatigue. Also, keep your hands at the '5' and '7' clock times with underhand grips for optimal upper back posture.
3. Take Breaks: Avoid fatigue and discomfort by taking frequent breaks that allow you to stand up and move around. We personally will only drive a max of 2 hours at a time before we stop, get out, and stretch. And we continue this routine every additional 2 hours until we reach our destination.
4. Seat Accessrieos: Use any of the available accessories, such as lumbar supports, fleece covers, or beaded seat covers to add to your driving comfort. Remember, the most important tool in maintaining a healthy back is good posture.
To maintain the curves of your spine you need strong, flexible muscles. The simple act of correcting your posture throughout the day helps develop the body awareness to maintain good posture for a lifetime.
