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Posture Perfect

Physical therapists help people with low back pain to retrain muscles and develop better posture. Different postures use different muscles. Sometimes the same muscle acts differently depending on the position of the body. Humans standing upright against gravity tend to slump forward. They relax their muscles, rather than use their muscles to hold them upright. This is true in the standing and sitting positions.

For people with back pain, these relaxed postures can make their pain worse. The old saying "use it or lose it" applies to muscle function and posture. The habit of slumping while standing or sitting actually deactivates muscles of the abdomen and back. These muscles are very important in protecting the low back. Without them, the load on the ligaments and discs of the spine is increased.

How much activity is normal in the muscles of the back or abdomen during erect sitting and standing? This is the subject of many studies. So far, it seems these muscles show slight to constant activity depending on the person. This may be caused by different natural postures unique to each person.

Studies show a clear link between muscles of the back and abdomen with standing or sitting up straight. Practicing good posture is important in keeping these muscles tuned and healthy.

References: Peter B. O'Sullivan, PhD, et al. The Effect of Different Standing and Sitting Postures on Trunk Muscle Activity in a Pain-Free Population. In Spine. June 1, 2002. Vol. 27. No. 11. Pp. 1238-1244.

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