The Office for National Statistics (ONS) cited back pain as one of the leading causes of work absences in the UK. In most cases, the cause of back pain is mechanical or non-organic i.e. it isn’t due to an infection, a fracture, or a medical condition like arthritis. It is due to poor posture, which is why it is so important to have a good back posture. However, the benefits of a good posture go beyond decreasing the incidences of work absences. Bad posture can have serious ramifications for a person’s overall health and peace of mind, resulting in people needing sciatica treatment and over sorts of medical assistance. In fact, the Global Burden of Disease cited lower back pain as the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Since good posture is a preventative mechanism against lower back pain, it, in essence, protects an individual from such disabilities and the associated physical and financial implications.
One of the downsides of poor back posture is spinal scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways bending of the spine. It is not only painful and debilitating, but it can also lead to severe spinal conditions like slipped discs. Good posture promotes spinal health – which is why proponents of alternative medicine often recommend it. Moreover, poor posture can lead to chronic fatigue, a strain on back muscles, and a slouched appearance. Good posture prevents such conditions. It distributes the weight evenly on your back muscles, thereby reducing the strain. It also prevents chronic fatigue and keeps a person looking fit and feeling great.
The body has its own inertia; it has its own habits, and no matter how much you try to change it, it will change back. This is the reason your best intentions are not making a difference. It's not a matter of conscious thought; it's something that sports scientists call "muscle memory." Out of habit, your body becomes used to standing or sitting in a particular position, and once that habit starts, it's hard to change. It's not impossible to learn to use a good posture, but it takes an enormous amount of persistence and conscious effort unless you cheat. You may have tried everything under the sun; exercise, force of will, or even alternative medicine. They are good things in themselves, but they are not enough to make a lasting change. The best approach is to use a back brace or posture support. This is a simple device (more like an item of clothing) that puts your body in the right position. It may sound as appealing as a whalebone corset, but it's quite comfortable, as it's made out of flexible materials. After a while, a correct posture will become second nature, and you won't need the support anymore.
We all know that poor posture can cause stress to the spine, which leads to backaches and shoulder pains. If allowed to continue, it can even cause chronic pain and result in a stoop. But it's one thing to know it, and it's another to make a change. No amount of nagging, worrying, or will power can improve your posture permanently. Time to make changes!
