Staying in proper alignment will prevent you from having recurring setbacks and being immobilized with pain for days or weeks at a stretch. Your back determines your mobility and if your upper or lower back is a hurtin’, you’re not going to have a very good day.

Here’s some proper body mechanics that if you adhere to will minimize your setbacks and keep you feeling as well as you should be.

When Standing

- Place feet shoulder width apart, don’t lock your knees;
- Avoid arching your lower back or slumping your upper back and shoulders;
- Keep your breastbone up, shoulder blades down;
- Keep your chin level, relax jaw and neck muscles.

When Sitting

- Rest your feet on floor with knees and hips bent 90 degrees;
- Maintain a neutral arch in your lower back;
- Keep your breastbone up, shoulder blades down;
- Keep your chin level, relax jaw and neck muscles

When Driving

- Adjust your seat so that the back is vertical. Your back should be supported by the seat back and your head should rest against headrest with your chin level;
- Knees should be bent, and at least at the same height as your hips;
- Elbows should be slightly bent and relaxed, with your shoulders down.

When Sleeping

- Use a firm mattress. Placing a board between the mattress and box spring can provide a temporary fix for one that is sagging.
- Lie on your back or side. When lying on the side, a pillow between the knees helps maintain a neutral spine. This will make a world of difference.
- Use a cervical roll (a foam roll or a folded pillow will do just fine) to support the natural curves in your neck or low back.

Whether you’re suffering from acute back pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, any sort of back pain at all, remember your back care specialist in Mid-Michigan is Colestock Family Chiropractic in Eaton Rapids.

Unlike typical chiropractors, Dr Denise from Colestock Family Chiropractic uses the painless procedure called the Activator Method Technique where she is able to pin-point your problem area and alleviate the pain without the “snap, crackle and pop” most chiropractors specialize in.

A no pain visit and you’ll walk out feeling much better for it.

So the next time you need some back pain relief give Colestock Family Chiropractic a call at 517.663.8825 and schedule yourself a quality body and back re-alignment with the Activator Method Technique. Walk-in’s are welcome.

Serving the Eaton Rapids community and Mid-Michigan since 2003.