How Can I Keep My Back Healthy?

Back pain can be the worst. If you deal with it often, it might be time to evaluate your posture! Consistent poor posture can lead to all kinds of back problems, including lower back pain and poor spine health.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of good posture from our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team!

What Is Posture in the First Place?

Posture is the position in which you hold your body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie to place the least strain on muscles and ligaments while you are moving or performing weight-bearing activities.

We’ve listed some more ways posture can improve your health below.

More Benefits of Good Posture

  • Keeps bones and joints correctly aligned so that muscles are being used properly
  • Helps cut down on the wear and tear of joint surfaces to help prevent the onset of arthritis
  • Decreases the strain on the ligaments in the spine
  • Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions
  • Prevents backache and muscular pain

Does How I Sleep Matter?

The position that you sleep in doesn’t matter quite as much, but the way that you utilize your pillow does. Your pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position.

Your sleeping habits can have a big impact on your back and spine health, and we’ve listed a few sleeping tips to keep in mind below.

Sleeping Tips That Benefit Back and Spine Health

  • Try to sleep in a position that helps you maintain the curve in your back, such as on your back with a pillow under your knees or a lumbar roll under your lower back, or on your side with your knees slightly bent.
  • Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag.
  • Try using a back or lumbar support at night to help you feel more comfortable.

Have other posture-related questions or medical concerns? Don’t wait to visit our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team today!