Posture and it's Role in Body Mechanics

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    Here are 3 photos of my husband, Connor. The first picture is at our favorite restaurant, Babalu, the second photo is of him playing checkers on our honeymoon. The third photo is of him covering me with his jacket to prevent the rain from getting me wet after our rehearsal dinner for our wedding (isn't he the sweetest??). The photo I'm choosing is the first picture at Babalu. 

    Connor's pelvis has a posterior tilt because he is sitting back. His spine is in extension with a slight increase in his thoracic spinal curve. His lumbar curve is more flattened in this position and his cervical curve is decrease because of his slight forward head tilt. His right hip is externally rotated while his right femur is extended and externally rotated. His left femur is also extended and his hip is very slightly internally rotated. His right scapula is protracted in order for him to rest his hand on his leg. His head is a little forward-tilted and rotated slightly to his left.
    This seated position is great for his stability. He has many contacts with surfaces, like, his spine on the back of the chair and his pelvis and femur on the bottom of the chair. As well as, his left elbow on the arm of the chair. This means he has a large base of support. Since his stability is increased, his mobility will be decreased, meaning it will be more difficult for him to get himself out of this seated position into say a standing position. 
    In terms of upper extremity movements, Connor's right arm has full reach capabilities while his left is limited due to being in contact with a surface as a base of support and supporting his head. This posture mostly supports joint alignment. After a prolonged time, he may experience some discomfort on the left sides of his intervertebral joints laterally on his thoracic spine due to sitting at a slight angle to his left and not sitting straight up. 
    Connor can more than likely stay in this position for a long period of time if needed. He would probably shift, however, around 10 minutes or so due to the tailor's position (externally rotated hip).

    It is very important to teach proper posture AND body mechanics to someone with faulty posture and poor body mechanics to prevent injury and upkeep quality of life. The most common cause of lower back pain is poor posture. When treating clients who also have these problems, it's important to teach proper posture.  Exercising and keeping good fitness can also help prevent back pain as well as nutrition and stress management.
    Some ways you can promote/teach proper posture and body mechanics are firstly being aware of your faulty posture. This is your first step in order to improve your posture. Another way to encourage better posture is by using pillows, towels, or ergonomic chairs when sitting. This will help keep up your posture even when you forget to do so. Teaching proper lifting can also be crucial for correcting posture. Knowing the correct way to lift heavy items can prevent long term injury. Some clients that you treat may lift heavy objects as a part of their occupation so it is cruical for them to know the proper way to do. 

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