(2-minute read)
As an experienced Henleaze-based osteopath, I provide treatment for posture-related pain in Bristol to patients on a weekly basis.
Posture-related pain can lead to significant periods of disablement and discomfort.
According to a recent report, musculoskeletal conditions represent the third largest area of NHS spend, costing around £5 billion a year.
A guideline on chronic pain produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that the annual productivity cost of back pain alone is between £5 and nearly £11 billion across the country.
Postural issues and related musculoskeletal conditions are responsible for a substantial financial burden on the UK through healthcare costs and lost productivity in the workplace.
There are ways in which posture-related pain can be reduced and relieved by adhering to a few simple steps in day-to-day life.
My motto has always been ‘prevention is better than cure', which applies when it comes to the treatment for posture-related pain for my patients in Bristol.
For many of my patients, posture-related pain is due to poor sitting and can be avoided.
Sitting and poor posture are huge issues in Bristol and beyond, and I am passionate about helping patients to ease this avoidable pain and discomfort.
What causes posture-related pain?
The human body is not designed for sitting for long periods, although our working lives often revolve around long periods of being seated.
Largely, the chair industry is failing you by providing poor seating that is detrimental to our backs.
Ergonomic, healthy chairs are not abundantly available, and many are very expensive.
What's wrong with standard chairs?
Most contemporary chairs have a horizontal seat part that we sit on.
When we sit, the position of our pelvis changes (rolls backwards) and our natural spinal curves are reduced or even disappear.
Our postural muscles fatigue over time, and we inevitably slouch backwards.
This loads our spine and discs in a detrimental way, and is a major cause of back pain, disc injury, and disability.
The end result is too often posture-related pain and ongoing health issues in the back, neck and shoulder areas.
What can be done about poor sitting posture?
I strongly believe that it is time to think about sitting differently to make it healthier for all.
Better, active sitting in chairs that promote good posture is much healthier for the back.
I was so frustrated by poor seating that I designed a simple, posture-promoting chair, called the Z Chair. Find out more about it here.
How can posture-related pain be reduced?
There are a few simple techniques to incorporate into your daily routine, including:
Try sitting less, standing often, and moving more.
Micro-breaking is an effective way to prevent back issues. Get up and move every 20 minutes. Read more about the benefits of micro-breaks here.
Standing desks are also a significant change from sitting. Alternating between sitting and standing is a good option.
Consider your sitting posture carefully. Check out my top tips here.
My Healthy News section has a significant library of blogs with tips and advice. Visit here to find out more.
To make a booking for a consultation at my osteopathic clinic in Bristol, please visit here.