In-depth information on good posture and back support using ergonomic office chairs as well as mattresses and pillows for sleep comfort
Ergonomics and back
pain in the workplace
September 26, 2006
Back pain is one of the most common work-related injuries.
Applying ergonomic principals–studying the relationship
between the worker and their work environment–can
help prevent work-related back pain and injuries. Read
more...
By: Nancy C. Selby, BS and John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Breaking the cycle of chronic pain
and insomnia
Updated September 7, 2006
The majority of patients suffering from chronic pain, such as chronic back pain,
also suffer from sleep disorders. Disrupted sleep often exacerbates chronic pain
problems, which in turn makes sleeping more difficult. This article reviews several
behavioral and medical approaches, including prescription sleep aids, that can
help treat both chronic pain and sleeping problems. Read
more...
By: William W. Deardorff, PhD, ABPP
4 proven
steps to prevent osteoporosis fractures
August 29, 2006
Spine fractures can be severely disabling, often resulting in chronic pain, spinal
deformity, and loss of independence. Once a spine fracture has occurred, it usually
means the patient has advanced osteoporosis and is susceptible to more disabling
vertebral fractures. The key is to prevent osteoporosis and fractures from ever
occurring. Read more...
By: Scott Boden, MD
Office chair advice
April 6, 2006
Most people know that sitting hunched forward while in an office chair is not
good for their backs, but they don't know how to stop doing it. This article
reviews a simple, practical way to counteract the tendency to hunch forward and
keep the body anchored to the back of the office chair. Read
more...
By: Michael A. Cohen, DAc, DC
Snow removal techniques to prevent low back injuries
January 27, 2006
Winter low back pain from snow removal can be prevented with correct snow shoveling
technique. These tips give pointers on finding the right shovel, proper shoveling
posture, and exercises to relieve muscle strain. Read
more…
By: Peter J. Schubbe, D.C.
Pain-free travel tips
December 6, 2005
For many people with back pain or neck pain, the prospect of a long trip can
be daunting. These travel tips can help to prevent the aggravation of back and
neck conditions with strategies for packing, lifting, stretching, and more. Read
more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
Reducing back pain while sitting in office chairs
July 11, 2005
Sitting for prolonged periods of time in an office
chair can be a major cause of back pain. This article offers some important
guidelines to help make sure that your office chair and work area are
as comfortable as possible and cause the least amount of stress to your
spine. Read more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Exercise ball therapy for low back
pain
June 2, 2005
The exercise ball (swiss ball) is designed to help prevent further episodes
of back pain and improve posture as part of a rehabilitation program. This article
provides tips on uses, exercises, and important considerations you should know
before starting therapy with an exercise ball. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Review of adjustable beds
December 14, 2004
Patients with back pain should be especially choosy about the type of bed and mattress they sleep on. There is very little research in general about what types of mattresses and beds are best for the back—and no real medical research about adjustable beds. This article answers questions about how an adjustable bed works and how it could potentially help some patients to sleep more comfortably in an inclined position rather than on a flat mattress.
Read more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
Choosing the best mattress for low back pain
August 19, 2004
A mattress lacking in back support reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains low back muscles, and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which can increase low back pain. This article provides practical guidelines for choosing a mattress that provides both sleep comfort and back support. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO
Study on the best types of mattress for back support
July 14, 2004
A recent study reported that patients who slept on a medium-firm mattress reported less low back pain in bed and less back pain getting out of bed than patients who slept on a firm mattress. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Choosing
the right ergonomic office chair
July 2, 2004
An ergonomic office chair provides for the lower back support, promotes good
posture, and helps alleviate back problems. This article offers guidelines for
how to decide on the best office chair and introduces new office chair options
for those who spend most of their time sitting at work. Read
more...
By: Rodney K. Lefler, DC
Ten
tips for improving posture and ergonomics
June 7, 2004
Poor posture can easily cause or aggravate episodes of back pain and over time
damage spinal structures. This article offers guidelines to improve posture
and ergonomics, especially for those who sit in an office chair for long hours. Read
more...
By: Kelly Andrews, DC
Good
posture helps reduce back pain
May 17, 2004
Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support stresses the spine,
which over time can lead to changes in the anatomical characteristics of the
spinal structures and back pain from problems with muscles, nerves, discs and
joints. Read
more...
By: John Schubbe, DC
Back
support in office chairs
December 17, 2003
In the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded three times more than
standing, and for many people sitting in an office chair without back support
results in poor posture (e.g. slouching) and either causes or exacerbates lower
back pain. Read
more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Massage
chairs for pain relief
November 25, 2003
A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain. Similarly,
newer massage chair technologies are designed to provide some measure of relief
from many types of back pain. Read
more...
By: Peter Schubbe, DC
Pillow support and comfort
September 30, 2003
Rest and sleep is when the spine can heal itself from the postural, physical and nervous insults of the previous day. And the right pillow or pillows are key to supporting the neck and back and getting a comfortable night's rest. Read more...
By: John Schubbe, DC
Mattress guidelines for sleep comfort
August 29, 2003
While the right mattress is largely a matter of personal preference, it's useful to know guidelines about what constitutes a good mattress, as well as recommendations for sleep comfort for specific back conditions. Read more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Avoid
back injury with the right lifting techniques
May 14, 2003
The right ergonomics to avoid a back injury when lifting requires more than
just bending at the knees. It's also important to bend at the hips (not the
lower back), keep the chest forward, lead with the hips (not the shoulders),
and keep the weight close to one's body. Read
more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT
Upper back problems:
doctor answers patient questions
March 20, 2006
The upper back and ribs form a strong ‘cage’ around
the vital organs of the heart and lungs. Since the
upper back is not designed for motion, upper back problems
are less prevalent but can be extremely painful. In
this section of Back Talk, a physiatrist responds to
frequent patient questions about upper back problems. Read more...
Back-to-Back: Choosing a mattress for back support
Read other patients’ helpful advice about what type of mattress, pillow or adjustable bed worked best for their back condition, for recovery from back surgery and for sleep comfort. Then, submit your own response! Read more...
Back-to-Back: Ergonomic office chairs and back support
In this section, patients share their advice about finding a comfortable ergonomic office chair and using proper back support while sitting in office chairs for long periods of time. Be sure to submit your own response as a resource for other patients trying to find a good office chair! Read more...
Back Pain Radio transcript: Workplace ergonomics and office chairs
Workplace ergonomics are vital for a healthy
back and for reducing back pain while sitting in office
chairs. Read what John Triano, PhD, a Medical Advisor
for Spine-health.com, and Grant Cooper, M.D., host of
Back Pain Radio, had to say about lifting heavy objects
and adjusting an office chair and workspace on the March
28, 2005 show. Read
transcript...
Take control of your back pain – Spine-health.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss (where appropriate). Read more…
Five ways to keep your spine healthy and happy - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Due to the complexity of spinal anatomy and its connections to the rest of the body, keeping the back in top condition is important for overall health. This newsletter discusses a number of simple things you can try to help keep your spine as healthy as possible and minimize complications from your back condition and/or prevent future painful episodes, such as finding a good ergonomic office chair. Read more...
Make your back comfortable - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Make your back comfortable with these tips on maintaining good posture and ergonomics while sitting in an office chair, driving and sleeping. This newsletter also gives ideas for back support products such as ergonomic office chairs and for choosing a good mattress and pillow for back support. Read more...
Everyday ways to heal - Spine-health.com Newsletter
To help you manage your back or neck condition, here are several straightforward things you can do to help keep your back and neck healthy and minimize painful episodes. Especially important are using an ergonomic office chair for back support while sitting for long periods at a desk, and paying attention to ergonomics and safety at work. Read more...
The holidays and back pain - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Stress relief, relaxation techniques and gentle exercise may help relieve back pain. This newsletter provides several simple, helpful pointers on how to go through the holiday season when you’re suffering from chronic back pain, as well as a few gift ideas that may be helpful for anyone with back pain, such as an ergonomic office chair. Read more...
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
