Beaten, bent and frequently weighted, our backs take on a lot of work every day. The weight of our bodies are carried on our legs, but they have large bones that are the majority of the structure. In the back the spine sits at the rear and helps us bend, turn, and lean, but far more of it's structure is done with muscles. The muscles in our back are therefore very suceptable to pain, tension, and fatigue. Walking is one of the best postures for our backs because it is mobile, and erect, but most of us can't walk all day long. Sitting and standing can cause pain if we're in a position too long, or if our posture is poor.
Most of us don't even know what proper posture feels like anymore, so for an interesting exercise, stand against a wall, knees shoulder width apart and about 10 inches in front of you. Slowly lower yourself until your knees are at about a 45 degree angle. If you tighten your buttocks and abs while in this position and then stand, you will feel what proper posture should feel like for your back. Personally, I know mine could use a lot of work. Time for me to hit those abdominal exercises.
Straddle stretches, sleeping on your side or back with a pillow (between your legs on your side or under your legs on your back), adequate water, and of course sleep can all help back pain. In addition to that, work on your posture, get up from your desk and walk at least once an hour, and here it comes (sigh) get to a healthy weight. You can check your BMI here.
See you tomorrow.
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