August 12, 2024
What is Body Mechanics?
Body mechanics is based on the ways we move in our daily lives. It plays a role in all of these activities, from standing to sitting to lifting, bending, and sleeping.
An adherence to good body mechanics enables your body to operate healthily and consistently. Poor body mechanics are generally the root of back problems, as when engaging in poor mechanics, the spine is placed under abnormal stresses. These stresses can become chronic issues over time.
Why Are Body Mechanics Important?
People speak about good posture, and body mechanics is very similar. Body mechanics is good posture while the body is engaged in motion. This practice isn’t complicated and can be incorporated into your everyday life.
Proper Posture and Body Mechanics
Every activity your body can do has a proper way to do it. Some of the most common are:
- Standing
- Sitting
- Sleeping
- Lifting
- Place the object or load immediately in front of you.
- When lifting, bend the knees and bring the weight to your chest.
- As you stand, extend the knees and use the leg muscles to lift rather than the spine and back muscles.
- Assume a neutral spine position while standing and avoid twisting or adjusting the spine.
Body mechanics when standing are commonly called “posture.” Good posture consists of “stacking” the spine to align the body properly. Ensure that you double-check your posture often. Making a conscious effort to stand properly during the day will be a struggle in the beginning, but it will become second nature over time.
While you can, try to stand on flat and firm ground to keep your spine aligned. During prolonged stints of standing, lean against solid support to reduce fatigue. If support isn’t available, change your position as much as possible.
Whether sitting at a desk at work or on a couch at home, body mechanics while sitting are crucial to remember. It’s easy to forget about posture when sitting or lounging. If sitting at a desk, try to get an ergonomic chair. They are built to guide you to sit properly.
Regardless of chair type, there is a proper way to sit so your spine stays in alignment. When sitting, keep your buttocks at the back of the seat and a small space between the back of your knees and the seat of the chair. Your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. Pull your shoulders back and lift your chest, keeping your chin level with the floor.
As humans, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and we need to ensure that we are properly positioned during our rest. Sleeping on a relatively firm mattress is the ideal position. A softer mattress allows the spine to get out of alignment and place unwanted stress on different locations of the spine.
Similarly, sleeping on your stomach or an oversized pillow will place stress on the body by misaligning the spine. The ideal sleeping positions are the side and back. While sleeping on your side, place a pillow between the knees to align the spine. Also, when sleeping on your back, place a pillow underneath the knees.
When you go to lift things, and you think, “Don’t lift with your back,” you’re engaging and using body mechanics. Lifting heavy objects, particularly from the floor or ground, is a large contributor to back pain, such as slipped discs. To avoid this pain, follow some simple steps to lift efficiently.
To start:
Do not lift from a forward stooped position or bent at the waist. As well, don’t lift from a stooped or imbalanced position. When you lift from these angles, the weight and effort are placed on the spine directly instead of the muscles in the back and legs.
Have Questions About Body Mechanics?
The human body is amazing, but when used improperly, the damage can be lasting. Don’t take any chances with your health! Visit our Clearwater, FL office to receive chiropractic care that keeps you moving pain-free! Call 727-447-4647 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
About the Author: With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett is a highly educated and experienced chiropractor who serves Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. He takes a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care. Instead of treating symptoms, Dr. Jarrett looks for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment!