According to an article on FSP Health & Fitness, no matter how well we eat or if we exercise two hours a day, spending hours and hours sitting down in front of the computer destroys our health more than we realize.
The below infographic shows all the problems from head to toe, that are caused by sitting all day.
Someone recently asked me what’s the most popular piece of advice I give patients with back pain. Although you might think it’s advise on how to stretch or strengthen your back, both of which are important, getting out of chair properly seems to resonate the most with patients. Most likely because its a piece of advise that is used multiple times throughout a day, but also it usually provides patients with instant, albeit short term, pain relief.
So here are some tips on how to get our of a chair and decrease lower back pain.
1. Ensure that feet are firmly on the floor and approximately shoulder width apart.
2. Slide your bottom to the front of the chair
3. If arm rests are available place both hands on the arm rest. If there are no arm rests, then place both hands on the edge of the chair.
4. Keep the spine in a neutral position, do not lean forward. (This is a very important step. Leaning forward can compress the spine and discs within the spine which can cause pain)
5. Push down through your arms as you help unload your weight off the chair.
6. As you are pushing down through your arms, also push through the heels of your feet and straighten the legs, while letting go of the chair with your hands.
7. Stand up straight.
Other important tips; ensure you are not holding your breath while getting out of the chair and try to engage your core muscles throughout the movement to reduce pressure on the spine.
These tips may not help all types of back pain but for general pain this can reduce discomfort while reducing pressure and compression of the spine.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
My mission for this website is based on my belief that Healthy Living is a RIGHT and not a PRIVILEGE. A Healthy lifestyle should be attainable to anybody who wants it. It is our right to have the information we need to make healthy choices and to ultimately be in control of our own health. Be our own HEALTH ADVOCATES! Here, you will be provided with only the most relevant and accessible information. Take from it what you need. I am here to be your biggest support, your champion and your guide to a journey of healthy living. So let’s get started!
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