{"id":10630,"date":"2022-05-23T18:05:53","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T18:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=10630"},"modified":"2022-07-13T17:48:09","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T17:48:09","slug":"addressing-posture-and-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/personal-wellbeing\/addressing-posture-and-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding Back Pain: Addressing Posture"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the veterinary practice, you likely discuss various perpetual cycles: the itch-scratch cycle, flea infestation cycle, and osteoarthritis cycle, to name a few. Unfortunately, veterinary nurses can become stuck in a similar cycle of poor posture. Within this circuit, muscle imbalances can cause poor pelvic posture, which results in lower back pain. This then leads to worse posture, which provokes more pain, and so on. However, by addressing the common imbalance responsible for this alignment and rectifying incorrect standing and sitting positions, you can help break this cycle to find relief.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Intentional Movement<\/div>
The \u201cMovement Is Medicine\u201d series will focus on common areas of discomfort for veterinary nurses in the workplace, including the back and neck. Although this series will primarily discuss how intentional movement can protect your body on the job, it\u2019s important to note that physical activity can also boost mood, elevate confidence, improve focus, increase energy, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus 2 days of strength training each week.2<\/sup> This might feel like an inconvenience\u2014the last thing on your mind after a long shift\u2014but think of it as an exercise prescription. You would want your clients to comply with prescribed recommendations, so aim to hold yourself accountable for 30- to 45-minute sessions 5\u00a0times each week. The key to adding fitness to your routine is to discover a modality of movement that you enjoy and look forward to.<\/div><\/div>\n

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt?<\/h2>\n

Considering most daily tasks involve forward repetitive motions (e.g., walking, restocking cabinets, bending down to pick up a patient), the anterior portion of the body becomes overactivated, whereas much of the posterior chain, the muscles that run along the backside of the body, tends to be underutilized and weakened in comparison. Sitting for extended periods of time, particularly in a slouched position, further contributes by shortening the anterior muscles.3<\/sup> This pattern of muscle imbalances is referred to as lower crossed syndrome (LCS).4<\/sup> Individuals with these cross-body imbalances commonly suffer from an excessive anterior pelvic tilt (APT). This pelvic alignment occurs when the anterior portion of the pelvis tilts forward and down, typically pulled downward by the hip flexors.3<\/sup> This condition increases curvature of the lumbar spine and leads to sacroiliac pain and generalized lower back pain.5<\/sup> The hamstrings muscle group, which originate at the pelvis, can also feel tight due to excess tension on the muscles from the tilted posture.4<\/sup> <\/span><\/p>\n

While this pelvic alignment isn\u2019t present in all individuals (and some may experience the opposite, posterior pelvic tilt), it is very common. Studies suggest that as many as 85% of men and 75% of women experience some degree of APT.6<\/sup> If the above symptoms apply to you, a fitness or healthcare professional can complete a series of assessments to determine whether you have a pelvic tilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Watch Saleema demonstrate the stretches and exercises described in this article:<\/p>\n