Posts
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Saturday, July 22, 2006
Dealing with Back Pain and Injury
Well, being a computer programming type dude, I have to sit at a desk most of the day, which is probably not good for my back, as we all know these days.
I've tried all manner of positions to help me stay comfortable, and have used back supports etc, but although back supports offer some relief, I think they also take away from the natural support your spine gives you.
When you rest your back onto a back support, the muscles relax and cause less pain, but, really, sitting in an upright position with the legs taking most of the weight seems better and more like standing, which our bodies are actually designed for, and allows for the spine to sit naturally and, perhaps, self adjust itself.
The other thing I have noticed is the number of muscles and tendons which carefully balance the back and keep the spine straight. These muscles pull on both sides of the spine, so you need an equal distribution of tension on both sides for best effect.
Usually, with a misaligned back, one set of muscles are bunched up and the other overstretched, so you must stretch the compacted muscles and tendons, and strengthen the opposing set to help the spine achieve alignment.
And so, it is much like life, you need a proper balance in everything you do, not too hard, not too soft, stretch yourself where you feel limited, reign in that which has gone too far, and achieve proper balance.
I've tried all manner of positions to help me stay comfortable, and have used back supports etc, but although back supports offer some relief, I think they also take away from the natural support your spine gives you.
When you rest your back onto a back support, the muscles relax and cause less pain, but, really, sitting in an upright position with the legs taking most of the weight seems better and more like standing, which our bodies are actually designed for, and allows for the spine to sit naturally and, perhaps, self adjust itself.
The other thing I have noticed is the number of muscles and tendons which carefully balance the back and keep the spine straight. These muscles pull on both sides of the spine, so you need an equal distribution of tension on both sides for best effect.
Usually, with a misaligned back, one set of muscles are bunched up and the other overstretched, so you must stretch the compacted muscles and tendons, and strengthen the opposing set to help the spine achieve alignment.
And so, it is much like life, you need a proper balance in everything you do, not too hard, not too soft, stretch yourself where you feel limited, reign in that which has gone too far, and achieve proper balance.
