Poor posture can cause a range problems including back pain, spinal problems, headaches, poor circulation, joint degeneration and rounded shoulders.
Good posture can help relieve back pain and involves training your body to function in positions where the least amount of strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments.
When improving your posture, your osteopath will work with you to determine the cause and decide on a course of treatment.
Poor posture can cause problems including:
- back pain
- headaches
- spinal problems
- muscle fatigue and strain
- joint degeneration and increased disc problems
- ligament laxity/stretch
- rounded shoulders
- poor circulation.
Osteopaths may improve your posture by:
- improving muscular flexibility in your body
- improving range of joint motion in the spine and extremities
- providing instruction on ‘good’ posture
- advising on ergonomics
- providing exercises to strengthen postural muscles.
Using Mobile Devices and Computers
Australians are increasingly experiencing back and neck pain due to prolonged use of mobile devices and computers.
Australians send more than 20 billion texts every year and spend more time in front of a screen than they do asleep. Shockingly, the average number of screen‐time hours has crept up to 9 per day* and is affecting posture, comfort and quality of life.
A recent study found that 70% of adults and 30% children and adolescents in Hong Kong reported musculoskeletal pain in relation to their use of electronic devices**. These figures reflect a similar trend in Australia where more than 11.2 million use smartphones***. Device related back pain is a growing trend worldwide.
The direct cost of back and neck pain to Australians is over $1 billion each year. Indirectly, this pain costs $8 billion as a consequence of lost productivity and disability.
Mobile device use results in many Australians spending hours hunched over a small screen or slumped on a couch or bed, causing muscular tightness and joint restriction of their upper back, neck and shoulders. Extended periods looking down or slouching often result in conditions like headaches, shoulder impingement and neck pain. Hunching the shoulders is even more problematic in children and teenagers as their spine is still developing. Poor posture caused by prolonged device use may cause permanent postural problems heading to potential complications later in life.
Osteopaths are experienced and qualified to assist with these musculoskeletal and postural problems. Osteopaths will work with your to reduce muscular tension, inflammation and nerve irritation; work on joint mobility; reduce the duration of low back pain episodes; offer advice on posture, exercises and stretching and help prevent future episodes.