Don’t take your back pain lightly. This is something we hear very often. What we tend to seriously overlook are the many hints and clues our body gives us, well in advance. And don’t be under the delusion that your back’s in perfect condition. You’ll be surprised by the number of people who don’t look like they’ve got a slouching back, but in reality, they do. Ergonomic Consultant, Marazban Doctor, alarms us on all the precautionary measure we ought to take. He practices Manual Therapy and helps analyze posture and restore balance and symmetry to the body. And this isn’t only for those with a 9-to-5 desk job but also for pregnant women and adolescent children. For the record, they’ve also always asked us to start early. Only if we listened. Make up for it with these expert tips and techniques.
BB: Is it true that women get back problems after pregnancy?
MD: “This is a question best answered by a doctor. However, to throw some light on the problem, lower back pain during pregnancy is very common among women. This happens because the woman’s body secretes relaxin, a hormone that relaxes the ligaments and joints in the pelvis to facilitate an easier delivery. These levels can remain elevated for three to four months after delivery. Once they return to normal, the back pain should subside. If it doesn’t happen, you may need to see an appropriate medical practitioner.
However, suitable exercise, during and after pregnancy, once you are medically cleared to do so, can go a long way in alleviating pregnancy related back pain.”
BB: What is the best position for people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer?
MD: “While working on the computer, ensure that your wrist lies in a neutral position. This means that your wrist should not be lower than your fingers and preferably in a straight line. The position of your arms relative to the keyboard should be positioned suitably to ensure that. You can also get an ergonomic mouse if that is causing your fingers to tingle or go numb. Avoid getting into positions which cause you numbness.”
BB: For some, sitting in front of the computer all day can sometimes make their fingers go numb. How can that get remedied?
MD: “That should be immediately directed to a medical practitioner. What you are describing could be the start of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand caused by pressure on the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. Get yourself checked by a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment, if you’re facing this issue.”
BB: 15-year old children have started slouching these days. How can they improve their posture?
MD: “You need to address this: does the 15 year old carry a heavy back pack because he has no choice, or because he’s not organized? Help him reduce the load by ensuring he carries only what he needs to. You can check with his friends as well as his school teachers about why he’s carrying such a heavy bag. Keeping two sets of text books, one at school and one for home might be a viable option. That way, he doesn’t have to carry his text books, at least.”
BB: Which kind of backpack is most suitable for school kids?
MD: “Help your child find a backpack that is both convenient and roomy enough to carry everything he or she needs. One that is kind to her back as well. Look for a backpack with wide straps and a waist band. This could help distribute the weight more evenly on the body. A bag with more compartments is ideal. The bag should not be carried on one shoulder only. The strap length should be adjusted so the bag does not rest on the lower back or flap against the buttocks when she walks. It should sit relatively close to the body.”
BB: Adolescent children these days are complaining about their back. What should they do to strengthen her back?
MD: “Start them on an exercise regime that strengthens the core and other muscles. Observe their posture while they’re carrying their schoolbag. Notice how she stands, walks, sits, watches TV, works at the computer and plays computer and video games. The amount of time children spend doing these activities is also a major factor for poor posture and back aches.”
