The World Spine Day is October 16th and the theme for 2016 is Straighten Up and Move.
There are millions of people all over the world, in every continent that suffer with spinal disorders. These can include low back pain, neck pain, scoliosis and disc disease, to name but a few. Whether it be preventing them from working or doing simple daily activities, spinal pain and disorders can have a profound effect on a person’s overall health.
Major contributors to the development of back pain and other spinal disorders have shown to be poor posture and inactivity according to the latest research. According to the World Health Organization, one in four adults is not active enough and over 80% of adolescent population is not active enough.
From strengthening your body and helping position your spine upright in the natural shape it was designed for, walking is a terrific form of exercise. Modern lifestyles – such as office work and extended use of computers or mobile devices – can force us to be less active or adopt sedentary positions leading to poor posture, issues with balance and coordination, and even pain. When walking properly you naturally adopt proper posture. Walking regularly will also help to build up your core strength, a fundamental part in maintaining good posture and helping you to maintain better posture throughout the day no matter the activity. Why is good posture important? By helping you to breathe better, a good natural posture will reduce fatigue and minimise other side effects associated with bad posture. In order to reduce wear and tear of joints, relieve stress, improve your health and appearance, it is essential to have proper posture as this keeps all the muscles, ligaments, bones and internal organs in their natural position. Why are Physiotherapists educating about walking & posture?
To treat and prevent posture and spinal problems, Physiotherapists use advanced techniques and evidence-based care. An active spine is a healthy spine, and a healthy spine leads to a healthier life. The Physio will begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your posture. This can include:
* Detailed postural observation
* Muscle length, strength and muscle control testing
* Full joint assessment
* Evaluation of functional tasks
Physiotherapists 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
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your spinal health, do not hesitate to contact your Physiotherapist.
