Do you have back or neck pain? So many of us struggle with chronic back and neck pain
which can be very frustrating and debilitating. | have suffered from chronic back pain for
years and if there is one thing | have learned, it is the importance of using proper body
mechanics with daily activities. What are body mechanics? The term body mechanics refers to
the way that you move and position your body when doing everyday things like sitting, lifting,
bending, etc. Using poor body mechanics can lead to extra stress and wear and tear on your
spine and cause/aggravate disc issues that are a common source of back and neck pain.
There are many aspects to physical therapy including hands on manual therapy, pain relief
techniques, specific strengthening and education. Putting them all together is what | believe
makes physical therapy a key treatment for back and neck pain. One of those important
aspects is the education that the clinicians can provide you in proper body mechanics to
avoid aggravation and irritation of back pain. This type of knowledge and training can not only
help you while you are going through physical therapy but it will also help you for years and
years to come.
There have been many times that | find myself sitting hunched over on the couch watching TV
and later | end up paying for it with pain. If | remember to use a lumbar pillow behind my
lower back when sitting on the couch it makes a huge difference. Also just knowing to keep
my back straight and use my legs when lifting and bending keeps me from being in major
pain. Sometimes you may not even realize that you are doing things in a way that can irritate
your back and that there are alternate ways to move and still do what you want to do without
pain.
If you have chronic back or neck pain, physical therapy could be a life changer. Come in and
receive treatment to help alleviate your pain and education that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few basic tips for using proper body mechanics:
Sitting:
-Sit with your back straight and use a small pillow behind your lower back.
-Get up and move every so often if sitting for long periods.
Lifting:
-Always keep your back straight.
-Bend with your hips and knees.
-Hold the object close and use your leg and arm muscles.
These are just a few basic tips. Our clinicians will be able to provide more specific body
mechanics education based on your condition and lifestyle. Come find out for yourself!
- Katie Kleibush, PTA @ our Standale Location
