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UNDERSTANDING YOUR BACK
The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae stacked
one on top of the other. These vertebrae are
linked together by facet joints, separated
and cushioned by 23 discs.
Ligaments and muscles in the back and
abdomen support the spinal column, while
muscles control the movement of the back.
The spinal cord passes through the center of
each vertebra. It carries the nerves that
travel from the brain to all parts of the body.
Damage to the spinal cord can result in
paralysis.
There are 7 vertebrae in the neck (cervical
spine), 12 in the upper back (thoracic spine)
and 5 in the lower back (lumbar spine).
Most back problems occur in the lumbar area
because it takes most of the bio-mechanical
stresses caused by our daily activities.
WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN
Pain is the body's way of telling you
something is wrong. Strains and sprains of
the back's muscles and ligaments, the affects
of aging, lack of exercise, being overweight
and even stress, can all cause back pain.
SOME COMMON CONDITIONS:
Sprains and Strains:
Disc Problems and Sciatica:
Facet Joint Syndrome and Osteoarthritis:
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER POSTURE
Good posture is a fundamental part of proper
backcare. Poor posture, especially in the sitting
position, can lead to painful back conditions.
When we are sitting, 30-50% more pressure is
put on the spine than when standing.
A healthy spine has a natural lumbar curve
(lordosis), which must be maintained. When
we slouch or sit in poorly designed chairs,
our natural curve is decreased. Additional
pressure is put on the discs, muscles and
joints. This additional pressure can, in time,
lead to painful conditions such as sciatica
and facet joint syndrome.
HOW TO AVOID AND RELIEVE BACK PAIN
Sitting: Do not Slouch or lean forward.
Keep your knees higher than your hips: you
may need a footstool to do this. At home or in
the office, sit in an orthopaedic chair or use a
backrest for additional support. When
driving, keep your seat close to the steering
wheel so that your knees are higher than your
hips. Use a backrest when sitting in the car.
Standing: Change positions often. If you
need to stand in one position for a long time,
place one foot on a footstool and
periodically rotate your feet so that neither
remains on the stool for a prolonged period.
Lifting: Bend your knees and keep your
back straight. Use your legs to push yourself
up and do not twist your body. Hold the
object you are lifting close to your chest; do
not raise it above your shoulders. Always be
sure of your footing.
Walking: Wear comfortable shoes with a
low heel and a soft heel and sole.
Sleeping: Your mattress should be firm to
provide proper back support. The best sleeping
position is the fetal (on your side with your
knees bent and a pillow between your knees).
Or you can lie on you back with a pillow under
your knees. If possible, avoid sleeping on your
stomach. If you must sleep on your stomach,
place a pillow under your pelvis.
Any severe or persistent back
pain should be brought to your
doctor's attention.
A physician is the only one who can
accurately diagnose a serious problem. It is
best to get an early diagnosis.
Part of your recovery may include the use
of an OBUSFORME Backrest Support.
The bio-mechanically designed OBUSFORME
Backrest Supports help to relieve and prevent
back pain by supporting the back and
distributing the pressure placed on the spine.
OBUSFORME Backrests conform to the
natural curves of the spine and guide the back
into an anatomically correct seating position.
the original
Lowback,
the plus-sized
Wideback
and the
ideal; backrest
for driving, the
Highback.
Obus Forme products are available in our OnLine Shopping Area |
Understanding Your Back
