Did you know that it is BackCare Awareness Week? Backcare.org is concerned that there is a worrying lack of awareness of the causes and effects surrounding back pain. A recent YouGov survey found that well over half (57%) of adults, aged 60+ have constant/ongoing aches and pains; of those who suffered, 60% experience pain in their back.

The aim of BackCare Awareness Week is to educate and instruct on how to prevent developing back ache, and, if you already suffer with it, the steps you could take to help find relief, and improve for the future.

One crucial factor in preventing and relieving back ache is having the correct posture. But what is posture? It is defined as the position in which we hold our body whilst standing or sitting.

If you have poor posture, this could lead to poor circulation, fatigue, loss of movement, weight gain, loss of independence, and, inevitably, your spine deteriorating over time leading to neck, back and shoulder aches and pains.

So how can you make sure that you avoid poor posture? Here are some great top tips, for when you are sitting down, from our very own Occupational Therapist, Julie Jennings Dip COT HCPC

Exercise

Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes every day to activate your muscles to protect your spine

Stand up

Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes whilst sitting at work

Stretch

Stretch out the chest muscles for one minute every day

Extend the spine

Extend the spine (arching backwards) for one minute every day

Strengthen muscles

Strengthen the abdominal and back muscles to stabilise the ‘core’ to enable a good posture.

Take it easy

As your body structures tend to be less flexible in the morning and prone to injury, take it easy

Bend your knees

Bend your knees when lifting and keep your back straight

Support while you sleep

Ensure you use a supportive and comfortable pillow

Here at HSL we are passionate about helping our customers understand the impact poor posture can have on their lives every day. We know that chairs, sofas and beds are not “one size fits all”, and having furniture that doesn’t fully support every part of your body can lead to health problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain.

This is why we have developed a unique 7-Point Seating Assessment™ . Working with our Comfort Specialists to carefully assess your unique needs will ensure that each part of your body is properly supported, giving you unrivalled comfort and, among numerous other benefits, help you take care of your back.