When the spine is in its neutral posture, our bodies are in the strongest and most injury-resistant position. That’s when our low back muscles are at the optimal length and when the facet joints of the spine are in their middle position which allows them to help distribute compression forces away from your disks. But how do you know if you’re standing or sitting correctly?

The easiest way to check your standing position is with the help of a long stick. Stand tall and place a stick along your back. The stick should touch your head, your upper back and your tailbone. If you’re standing correctly, you should be able to fit your hand between the stick and your lower back, while at the same time keeping your head up. Sitting however is a totally different story. Most people when seated tend to slouch and this posture can be fine if it’s only sustained for a short period of time, however prolonged and excessive slouching can stretch your ligaments. That’s why we have rest the spine to rest and let it adjust to its neutral posture.

Since we spend an enormous amount of time in a sitting position (some of us more than others ) often-times we face problems with our backs, joints and bodies in general. But in order to keep spines healthy, below we have listed three simple tips.

An Ergonomic Back Support For Better Office Days

The ergonomic back support products properly align your neck, shoulders and pelvis to avoid possible pain and keep your spine in neutral position. So if you’re working in an office or you just want to correct your bad sitting habits, investing in a proper ergonomic back support can be an important first step towards a healthier back. These practical belts are specially designed to protect and support strained muscles and you can wear them under your clothing at work, at home or when working out at the gym.

Make Sure You Lift Heavy Stuff Correctly

Improperly lifting heavy items can put your lower back and your muscles in abnormal position that may lead to pain in your spine and back. Worst case scenario, when lifting heavy things improperly you’ll have an increased risk of causing your spinal joints and disks to rupture. When lifting, especially heavy items, make sure you keep your chest forward and lead with your hips rather than with the shoulders. Also don’t forget to activate your knees to help your body handle the weight easier.

Exercise And Stretch For A Healthier Back

We all know how important being active is if you want to stay in shape, but did you know that lack of exercising can also lead to muscle, joint and spine pain? We are made to move and that way our body needs some stretching and sweating every now and then, so turning to Pilates, yoga or good old jogging will bring undeniable benefits to your body shape, your muscles and of course to your back and spine as well.