As kids, we were all told to stand up straight and sit up at the table. Those rules were put in place for a reason, usually to present a polite image. However, the truth is that good form does more than make us look better; it also protects our spine from pain, sprains and stress. It is adults who are especially at risk of back pain, and so it is adults who must pay especially close attention to their posture.
As kids, we were all told to stand up straight and sit up at the table. Those rules were put in place for a reason, usually to present a polite image. However, the truth is that good form does more than make us look better; it also protects our spine from pain, sprains and stress. It is adults who are especially at risk of back pain, and so it is adults who must pay especially close attention to their posture.
What Is Good Posture vs. Bad Posture?
Good posture is all about keeping the body in correct alignment and balance. When a person is standing, there should be an invisible line from the ear to the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.
Unfortunately, the average person tends to forget about maintaining good posture throughout the day, which can lead to long-term problems. One should be careful to avoid the following examples of poor posture in the workplace:
- Sitting on the edge of one’s seat without using lumbar support of the chair.
- Slouching or hunching the shoulders forward.
- Wearing high heels every day.
- Looking upward or downward all day.
- Improperly carrying heavy objects.
- Cradling a phone between the neck and shoulder.
How Does Posture Affect the Spine?
Slumping, slouching and uneven posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine over many years or even months, leading to pinched nerves, decreased circulation, weakened muscles, joint damage and problems with discs. Headaches, fatigue, muscle soreness and potentially serious organ and respiratory damage can result from these issues.
Tips for Practicing Good Posture
Practicing good posture begins with being conscious of bad posture. Take note throughout the day of whether or not you are slouching, dropping one shoulder or carrying a heavy object on one side of the body.
Human spines are made to move and stand, not sit for extended periods. Taking breaks to allow time for walking around can help refresh and improve the posture. Investing in ergonomic office chairs that offer better support than regular chairs also encourages better posture through maximum lumbar support.
Image Courtesy of: Shutterstock.com
Pedestrian-Friendly Communities Linked to Better Cognition in Elders
The positive effects of exercise have long been touted by the medical community. Increased respiratory function, better mobility, healthier bones and joints, weight management and lower levels of stress are all among the benefits of physical activity. However, exercise does not just improve physical health. Over the past decades, experts have discovered that mental function is also improved with activity like walking.
In fact, research presented earlier this year at the Gerontological Society of America’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., suggests that the more a community encourages walking, either for transportation or for leisure, the better the cognitive health of its elderly residents.
Having Wrist Pain? These Symptoms May Indicate Carpal Tunnel
Everyday aches and pains can be easy to dismiss or ignore, especially when you live a busy lifestyle. However, when pain is persistent and debilitating, it’s likely time to consult a medical professional. Pain in the wrist or hands is particularly prevalent among those who complete repetitive motions for long periods throughout the day, such as musicians, carpenters, assembly line workers, mechanics and people who use computers. This type of pain may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The median nerve extends from the forearm through a tunnel at the front of the wrist and along the tendons of the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed, or pinched, where it passes over the carpal bones due to surrounding pressure from bones and ligaments. It is widely characterized by feelings of numbness, burning, tingling and pain in the hand, fingers and arm.
The Difference Between Chronic and Acute Pain
Pain is often the body’s way of indicating that something is wrong. This form of pain is typically associated with acute conditions. However, sometimes pain is a condition itself rather than a symptom of a condition. This type of discomfort is called chronic pain. Knowing the difference between each form of pain can help you seek the best form of treatment available. Learn the differences between acute and chronic pain below.
Signs That You Might Have a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves, also known as compressed nerves, are usually the result of a nerve being pressed between two hard surfaces like ligaments, tendons or bones. Numbness, pain and a tingling sensation are often cited as the most common symptoms.
Pinched nerves can occur throughout the body, but certain areas are more susceptible, including the neck, elbows, wrists, lower back and shoulders. Read below to learn more about the signs of a pinched nerve. If you are experiencing nerve pain or numbness, consult with a sports medicine specialist or a physician immediately.
What Does Spinal Surgery Correct?
There are numerous types of spinal surgeries that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Here, our orthopedic surgery experts will discuss some of the most common conditions requiring spinal surgery and briefly explain how these disorders can be corrected by surgery.
Common Gymnastics Injuries
Gymnastics is a highly technical and demanding sport, which is associated with a high rate of injury. In fact, more than 80,000 gymnastics-related sports injuries are treated each year in the U.S. alone. While the majority of these injuries are overuse injuries resulting from hours and hours of repetitive motions, acute injuries due to falls or other accidents are also relatively common. Here, we will discuss some of the most common gymnastics-related injuries as well as how to avoid them.
Should You Consider Knee Replacements?
Total knee replacement is a relatively common type of orthopedic surgery with approximately 600,000 patients undergoing the procedure every year in the United States. The most common reason for needing a knee replacement is osteoarthritis in which the cartilage between the joint and bone is gradually worn away. This damage to the cartilage consequently results in swelling, stiffness and pain, and since the cartilage cannot be renewed, surgery may eventually be needed. Other relatively common reasons for needing a knee replacement include rheumatoid arthritis and direct knee trauma.
While the success rate of knee replacements is very high, this surgery is not right for everyone. However, if the answer to the following questions is yes for you, knee replacement may be the right decision.
Prevent Ulnar Wrist Pain from Tennis
Wrist pain is highly common in tennis players, including both amateurs and pros. In most cases, wrist injuries are the result of chronic overuse of the wrist, improper technique or inappropriate equipment, such as the wrong size grip or improper string tension. However, acute injuries from falling or not hitting the ball correctly are also common.
Wrist pain can be divided into two main types: radial (thumb-side) and ulnar (pinkie-side) injuries. Many players experience ulnar pain in their non-dominant hand during two-handed backhand strokes. During these strokes,the upper hand is placed in extreme ulnar deviation and extension while moving from supination to pronation.
Who Should Have a Hip Replacement?
Each year, approximately 290,000 hip replacement surgeries are conducted in the United States alone. Since the procedure was first performed in 1960, advances in the surgical techniques and materials used have made it one of the most successful and effective orthopedic surgeries. The goal of the procedure is to greatly decrease hip pain and to allow an increased range of motion at the hip, allowing patients to get back to most of their daily activities.
