Body mechanics sounds like a technical term, but it really just refers to the position and movement of your body as you sit, stand and and go about any activity. It addresses posture, the way you lift things and even the way you sleep. Proper body mechanics can help prevent injury, particularly to the spine, which can bear the brunt of unhealthy movements.
Significance
Property body mechanics can help preserve spine strength and flexibility. As the Coloroado Comprehensive Spine Institute notes, improper body mechanics can put excessive pressure on the spine and, over time, can result in the degeneration of discs in the spine. Proper body mechanics can help prevent pain, stiffness and more serious spinal problems.
Warning
One of the most common body mechanics mistakes you can make is in how you lift heavy things. Poor body mechanics when lifting can lead to back injury and poor posture. The University of New Hampshire human resources experts suggest testing a heavy object before lifting it, to see if you can handle it on your own or if you should ask for help. Other tips include bending at the hips and legs, and lifting with your legs as much as possible. You should also try to lift with the object close to you, so you are reaching awkwardly to hold onto and lift something heavy.
Considerations
Something as simple as sitting at a desk can present a number of potential body mechanics problems. So to help keep your posture healthy and your spine in alignment, keep your hips and knees level, while also sitting up tall. You don't want to bend forward or keep looking up and down, so try to keep your work directly in front of you. You also want to keep your feet on the floor and use the lower back support of your chair as you sit. Get used to these behaviors and you will be more comfortable at your desk and throughout the day.
Prevention/Solution
Whenever possible, try to take a strain off your lower back. This can be done with simple steps, such as putting one foot on a stool if you have to stand for a long time in one place, such as at an ironing table. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees will take pressure off your lower back. And when walking, remember to maintain good posture and not hunch over, as you will soon feel a sore and uncomfortable back.
Expert Insight
The Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute acknowledges that some of this attention to posture while you stand, sit or walk, or the care you should take in lifting heavy objects, may be a bit unnatural at first. But the experts there add that if you keep up with it, soon these seemingly unnatural positions will feel better and you will have more energy and fewer back complaints than ever before.
