Proper Posture and Body Mechanics

Having and maintaining both proper posture and good body mechanics are essential for completing every day activities that ask for some form of increased stress on the body.  If a client has faulty posture and poor body mechanics, there are a number of reasons why fixing both are important.  The first one is linked to posture and that having poor posture can lead to back problems, like injury or pain.  The second one is also linked to posture, and that having poor posture, like having your neck in a forward position, can increase the weight of the head on the cervical vertebrae, thus increasing the stress on certain structures, like the posterior longitudinal ligament and joint capsules.  The third reason is linked to body mechanics, and that poor positioning of the body during the act of lifting heavy objects can increase the strain on the vertebral column, possibly resulting in injury.  Increased flexion of the spine due to poor body mechanics can lead to spinal issues, like bulging, or even herniated, discs. 

In the intervention process with the client, one of the activities I would have them do is focus on core strength during sitting, so as not to develop or continue having a hunched-back while doing repetitive tasks, like typing or writing at a desk.  The other activity I would do is teach them how to properly lift a heavier object from the floor, making sure to tell, and show, them to bend on the hips and knees while keeping the back straight, as well as have the object closer to them and keeping the abdominal muscles firm and tight during the lifting process.