Milton

Did you know that back pain costs the economy billions of dollars a years? Low back problems account for more lost work hours than any other occupational injury.

The spine or vertebral column is make up of 33 individual bones and looks like an S-curve. This curve makes it 16 times stronger than if it were straight. The spine has a high degree of flexibility forward and to the sides, with a limited amount backward. The neck and lower back can rotate. Dense ligaments and strong muscles groups surround it and strengthen it, however the abdominal muscles may account for up to 40 percent of torso support.

Here’s how to find a good posture balance for yourself:  Stand with your pelvis titled in a neutral position. This means you pull in your abdominal muscles and slightly tighten your buttocks. This distributes your weight evenly and protects your lower back. Shoulders should be relaxed, down and back slightly. Keep your knees slightly flexed, not locked.

Here’s a quick way to correct your posture if you notice you are slumping: Place your elbows against the side of your waist with the arms bent 90 degrees and your hands in front of you. Keeping your elbows in place, rotate your hand and forearms to the sides. Your shoulder blades will move toward each other and lift your chest, correcting your posture. Then lower your forearms and maintain the improved posture! Walk with your head, trunk and thighs aligned, shoulders held back yet relaxed, chest high, and your stomach tucked in.