Pain is often the result of long periods of poor posture. However, it is not enough to correct the position of the body
Among the various pains that affect the body, spinal discomfort is certainly among the most frequent – and also among the most disabling. There are several factors that lead to back pain, which can radiate from the neck and shoulders to the lower back. The most common of these, in fact, is bad posture.
“Pains linked to incorrect posture, such as neck pain and lumbago, are directly related to the problem of the cervical and lumbar spine, because they are spines that we consider freer. Supporting muscle groups overlap with them, while the thoracic spine is it is equipped with a grid of ribs that helps maintain posture”, explains Dr. Alessandro Santoro, an orthopedic doctor specializing in the spine.
According to him, pain is a consequence of long periods of poor posture. During the pandemic, for example, the exposure time of patients or employees in front of the computer was much longer. “The home office patient, instead of working for six or eight hours, spent 10, 12 or even 14 hours at the home computer. And this created an overload,” he says.
How to escape the pain of bad posture
Fortunately, it is possible to correct this bad habit. The Brazilian Spine Society (SBC) itself recommends that patients get up, change positions and do some stretches every 40 or 50 minutes so that they don’t start acquiring bad habits.
“It is important to get up to drink water, talk to someone or take paper from the printer, for example. This is because these actions help to change position and reduce exposure time. At home, due to the home office, the habit of staying stopping for a long time has gotten worse, so it is important to take a break”, underlines the orthopedist.
Unrelieved pain
That pain that does not go away either with rest or with medications is a sign that the patient continues to make the mistake, warns Dr. Alessandro. “He often ends up sitting for 10, 12 or 14 hours. Then he takes the drugs and continues with the same action, doing the wrong thing again. What leads to a warning sign is worsening pain with no response to the drug, so you have to change your habit,” he says.
The doctor reminds us that pain in our body is nothing more than a warning telling us that something is wrong. Therefore, if he doesn’t respect him, he tends to get worse until he stops you. “So if the pain starts to get worse, you’ve used painkillers and there’s no response, see a doctor,” he recommends.
Is there a correct posture?
When we try to correct our posture, we automatically think of the completely correct position, with knees and waist at 90 degrees and elbows resting on the table. However, this idea fell apart, says Alessandro. “This is because, although you must always remain in the correct position, muscular strength is required to do so,” says the doctor.
According to him, correct posture is nothing more than a period in which you will spend less energy from the paravertebral muscles. “Ideally, the patient should get up every 40 to 50 minutes and keep the spine as straight as possible,” he emphasizes.
Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that we should all have healthy habits. Therefore, the orthopedist recommends always thinking about physical activity when looking for a change in habit. “It’s not just acquiring correct posture that will help you in your workday,” he emphasizes.
The secret to correcting your posture
“If you have to stick to a schedule of eight or ten consecutive hours in front of the computer, think that it would be a marathon for your spine. Then you have to train it so that your muscles can keep you in a better posture. The secret IS physical activity , always in the name of well-being. The ideal is to do strengthening work, preparing the spine for everyday life, which can be lighter or heavier”, advises the orthopedist.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
