P.SP62

Good posture is any position which allows good use of the body for a specific task and is comfortable for as long as the position is held. Even though bad posture may not cause any discomfort, continual poor posture will in the long term cause back pain.

When you stand, your lower back should curve slightly. This curve, called a lordosis helps to distribute your weight properly through the spine and pelvis. The discs located between each of the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. Excessive pressure within the discs may, when sitting, cause damage, but this can be avoided through proper posture.

The curve (or “small”) of the back is just above the pelvis. When standing, this curve is naturally present and varies from person to person. The curve, which is normally inwards, can be altered by changing the tilt of the pelvis. An increase in the curve for a prolonged time or frequently for shorter times causes pain.

A modern lifestyle is not typically conducive to maintaining good posture. Not enough exercise and stretching means that our joints are not adequately flexible and our muscle strength is not in balance.

The best posture we can hope for in the upright position is where the ear is over the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. Most of us cannot achieve this alignment mainly because of tight hamstrings and tight upper lumbar spine coupled with weak tummy muscles.