Body Mechanics
What are Body Mechanics?
This refers to the movement and positioning of our body. It translates to almost anything we do, such as, the way we lean over a counter, how we carry heavy objects, or how we exercise.
Why are Body Mechanics important?
How we position and move our bodies affects on our bones, joints, muscles, and the many other components our bodies are made of. If we continuously use poor mechanics, and position our bodies in unnatural ways, we will cause repeated wear and tear on different body parts resulting in pain and injury.
Our backs are particularly susceptible to poor mechanics. If you are someone who's experienced back pain for a prolonged period of time, then you understand how important it is to keep your back strong and healthy. One of the ways to do this is by not creating a lot of stress on your back.
Proper Body Mechanics
Some examples of proper mechanics are as follows:
- Maintain proper
posture
when standing, sitting, and lying down.
- Maintain proper
gait
when walking or running.
- When standing or sitting to perform an activity, avoid leaning forward. For example, if you are sitting, don't lean forward when typing, and, if you are standing, don't lean forward when brushing your teeth. Try and keep a natural curve in your back.
- Don't sit or stand in a fixed position for a significant period of time. If you can, walk around and do some stretches.
- It's better to push heavy objects rather than pull heavy objects.
- When lifting heavy objects, it's generally best to keep your back at a neutral position and lift the object with your legs by squatting.
- Don't consistently carry a purse or other objects on one side of your body. Carry it on both sides equally. Backpacks are great for distributing the weight evenly.
- To keep pressure off your shoulders, use a ladder for jobs that otherwise would cause you to raise your arms. Also, don't raise your arm and rest it on the back of a chair or seat for a long period of time.
- Avoid leaning your body parts, like your hands, elbows, arms, or chin, on things to prop you up.
- Wear shoes that fit the shape of your feet. Bad shoes affect the way you walk or run and can throw your body out of alignment.
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