Walking down the road I realised how bad most peoples posture is.

I drive many of my clients mad, instructing them on their posture, but to have a fuller, injury free life, I feel I have to help some of you out there!

Did you know that back pain costs the economy MILIONS of pounds a years? Low back problems account for more lost work hours than any other occupational injury.

The spine or vertebral column is make up of 33 individual bones and looks like an S-curve. This curve makes it 16 times stronger than if it were straight. The spine has a high degree of flexibility forward and to the sides, with a limited amount backward.

The neck and lower back can rotate. Dense ligaments and strong muscles groups surround it and strengthen it, however the abdominal muscles may account for up to 40 percent of torso support.

Of the millions of British who have low back pain, 80 percent probably have improper posture, weak muscles, and inadequate flexibility. Researchers call low back pain a hypokinetic disease: one that results from a lack of movement. Sedentary individuals are very susceptible to back problems.

Obesity, which a sedentary lifestyle produces, causes more weight to be carried in the abdominal muscles, resulting in greater pressure on the back. The lordosis, or swayback, is an observer's clue to identifying someone who probably has back pain.

Maintaining proper segmental alignment of the body in all activity is of utmost importance for preventing and treating back pain.

In other words, GOOD POSTURE is the key. Optimal posture puts the least amount of strain on the ligaments and joints in the spine, pelvis, and legs. Proper body posture while walking, sitting and lifting are essential in preventing and controlling low back pain.

Here's how to find a good posture balance for yourself

Stand with your pelvis titled in a neutral position. This means you pull in your abdominal muscles and slightly tighten your buttocks. This distributes your weight evenly and protects your lower back. Shoulders should be relaxed, down and back slightly. Keep your knees slightly flexed, not locked.

Here's a quick way to correct your posture if you notice you are slumping

1. Place your elbows against the side of your waist with the arms bent 90 degrees and your hands in front of you.
   
   
2. Keeping your elbows in place, rotate your hand and forearms to the sides.
   
   
3. Your shoulder blades will move toward each other and lift your chest, correcting your posture.
   
   
4. Then lower your forearms and maintain the improved posture!
   
   
5. Walk with your head, trunk and thighs aligned, shoulders held back yet relaxed, chest high, and your stomach tucked in.