Back Pain: Sitting Your Way to More Pain
Poor posture is a common issue in our modern culture that often involves prolonged periods of sitting and flexed postures. These positions put extra strain on the back and can lead to increased pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into how poor posture contributes to back pain and what you can do to overcome it.
Poor posture makes some muscles work harder than they need to and function in ways they weren't meant to. This leads to imbalances in the body, causing strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. The constant strain on these muscles can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, and it can also cause a misalignment of the spine, leading to increased pressure on the discs and joints, which can contribute to the pain.
Prolonged periods of sitting, whether it's at a desk, in a car, or on the couch, can lead to a flexed posture, which can contribute to back pain. This is because when we sit for extended periods, we tend to slouch, which places excessive pressure on the lower back and can cause misalignment of the spine. Your body will adjust to the positions you most often find yourself with shortened muscles and other muscles becoming weak. This misalignment can lead to strain on the muscles and joints, which can cause chronic pain.
To counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and improve posture, it's important to incorporate movement into your day. This can include stretching, standing, or walking to break up long periods of sitting. Another effective way to improve posture is to use ergonomic equipment such as a chair and desk that promote good posture. Additionally, performing exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support good posture can be beneficial in reducing back pain and improving overall posture. It’s not too common to find a sprinter running long distances or on the flipside, a marathoner just running sprints. In the same way, our body has different muscle fibers that have the purpose of quick, powerful contraction for certain tasks while others are designed to work for the long hall and have endurance. So you may actually be doing all the correct exercises but if you aren’t completing them in a way to specifically promote the fibers that are designed for endurance, you may not see any change in your posture.
If you're experiencing back pain and ready to overcome it, seeking help from a professional can be the answer. A physical therapist at Resolve Physical Therapy can perform a comprehensive postural assessment to determine the root cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help reduce pain and improve your overall posture. The therapist can also teach you exercises and stretches to improve posture and reduce the risk of back pain in the future.
In conclusion, poor posture can lead to increased back pain and discomfort. By incorporating movement into your day, using ergonomic equipment, and seeking help from a professional, you can overcome back pain and improve your overall posture. If you're ready to take control of your back pain and improve your posture, our team at Resolve Physical Therapy is here to help. Don't wait, schedule an appointment today!
