The predominant problem with using supports to help keep your body in a certain position, is that you’re becoming reliant on the product to keep you in that position instead of relying on your muscles or core strength. Your body contains all the necessary muscles to hold your spine in the correct position and avoid back pain. Using those muscles instead of relying on a brace or strap to hold yourself upright will help to keep you more comfortable when you’re sitting for long periods at a desk or when you’re relaxing in the evening in front of the television.  It’s important to know that it can be difficult at first to maintain proper posture, especially if it’s not something you’ve considered as a priority in the past. Retraining those muscles will be difficult but being aware of your posture and correcting yourself can help get you back on track. If you spend a little time & effort, the need for products or supports to protect you from short term back pain disappears!

So how can you avoid the need for back pain products or supports?

If you’re still finding it difficult to maintain your posture when you’re sat at a desk for long periods of time, simply incorporating regular breaks into your day can help to break up those long periods of inactivity during the day. These aren’t necessarily breaks from doing work, but simply breaks from using a certain set of muscles. We all know that sitting down all day is considered unhealthy, not just for our backs but for other areas of the body such as the neck and your eyes – so taking a break every 30-60 minutes can help your body in lots of different ways. Getting up and walking around can give our body a chance to stretch itself out, to relax muscles and therefore prevent stiffness, and it can also give your eyes a chance to relax as well.

Small Changes For A Big Impact

With all this considered, there are certain changes that can be made to your working environment that can help you along the way when it comes to correcting your posture.  Having a desk chair that has good lumbar back support – this can be in the chair itself or purchased separately (a product most commonly called a D-Roll or Lumbar Roll), can help support the natural curve in the lower spine. These products however still require a degree of awareness, you will still need to be aware of how you’re holding your posture even with this kind of support as it is still possible to slump in your chair with one of these in place. One thing you will find is that these supports, when used, can actually make sitting badly, more easy. So make sure if you are using them, to sit up straight with your shoulders back!

If your neck, shoulder or back pain is still persisting, you feel your posture may be too far gone or you feel you need a little extra help in improving the health of your body – it may be best to visit an osteopath or chiropractor to have your body assessed. Recurring aches, pains or stiffness can be potentially caused by a deeper problem – if your spine is out of alignment it can place significantly more stress on the spine which can limit the ability for your back or neck pain to be resolved without intervention. Using back pain products or supports in this case, can often only serve to “kick the can down the road”, when the problem really needs a better approach.

Are you suffering from back or neck pain?

Our adjusting technique can be used to help in back conditions including sciatica, slipped or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritis or if you’re experiencing stiffness in any areas of the body. So if you’re suffering from neck, shoulder or back pain, experiencing stiffness, or have a back condition that you’re struggling to relieve – contact our experienced team today to discuss your problem. We provide an examination, diagnosis and treatment on your first session, so why wait any longer to receive the care you need.

For an expert opinion, call today on 0203 947 3222 or email us at info@themayfairclinic.com