Chronic back pain can be very destructive to our lives and overall outlook. Yet there are many who suffer daily with back pain, and continue to lead productive, happy lives.  How do they do it?

An attitude of gratitude for what IS going right is crucial to maintaining this mature perspective.  Take a blank sheet of paper, and write down everything in your life that is going well.  Do you have happy, healthy children?  A good job?  Write them down.  You will be amazed to see how long the list is when you are finished.  Reading through this list every morning will help you to keep a positive perspective.

Another way of handling the resulting negativity pain can cause is by making time every morning to meditate and calm your mind.  Back pain is intensified by stress, and stress is a part of every normal person’s life.  Meditation is scientifically proven to reduce stress, and pain, and can help shape your life in a positive way.  The time taken to meditate will pay dividends in increased productivity.

It is also critical to manage your pain in an effective way.   Using ergonomic back supports/ergonomic seats will help change your outlook on life considerably by providing you with the support you need while working, driving, or even watching a movie.   It will provide you with both pelvis and spine support, improve your posture, and relieve sitting fatigue – which is very important if your job requires many hours in front of a computer or terminal.  Most office chairs are very poorly designed, and can be the root cause of the back pain you are experiencing (if not the result of a degenerative disease or accident).

By using a posture and back support system, you will learn to pay closer attention to your posture and be aware of how you are sitting – both critical factors for managing back pain and becoming more productive.

And less pain plus increased productivity is sure to lead to a better attitude!

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Are you looking forward to your trip with a mixture of excitement and dread?  Are you excited to reach your destination, but worried about how you will feel when you get there?  You are not alone, as a long car trip can be exhausting even if you are not driving, especially if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain.

One important thing to remember is to take frequent rest stops.  Getting out and moving around will ease any tension you may have from driving, and will allow your muscles to move and stretch.  Drink water on these stops rather than sugary sodas that will cause you to experience a “sugar crash’ later.   Bringing along a thermos of cold water is also an excellent idea.

Make sure to keep a nice steady pace and don’t try to be “speed racer”, if you are driving. This will minimize stress and help to conserve fuel as well.  It goes without saying that “road rage” will take its toll on you, so simply accept that you are going to run into both good and bad drivers on the road, and let things go when people irritate you.

Bring along some CDs with your favorite music, or even good books on tape.  These will make your trip go faster, and help you to enjoy it more.

Your neck and back will thank you at the end of the trip if you also bring along an ergonomic seat.  Back supports should be lightweight and fully portable, and they should also be fully adjustable so that changing drivers throughout the trip will not be a problem.

A good posture and back support should contain an adjustable lumbar support, which is indented in the center to limit direct pressure on the spine. It also limits support to muscles adjacent to the spine, so that muscles all the way across your back are not weakened.    This lumbar support should be adjustable with respect to depth, height, and placement.

Don’t forget your ergonomic seat support on your next long road trip – it will make the difference between arriving exhausted and in pain, and arriving fresh and ready for your vacation!

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Are you an exhausted frequent flyer – loving your job, but dreading the next, long overseas flight?  Or are you planning a vacation but looking forward to the many hour long flight with anxiety?  Here are some common sense tips to help you arrive refreshed and feeling great.

It helps to minimize departure stress, first and foremost!  Several days before your flight, make sure you know your airline’s policies for carry-on luggage as well as additional payments for checked luggage.  This way, you will avoid any nasty surprises that can create stress.  If your airline allows online check-in, take advantage of this to avoid long, stressful lines at the airport.  Check the Web before going to the airport to make sure your flight is leaving on time.

Be sure to put all liquids into a small plastic bag that conforms to airport security policies, and remove any objects that could be objectionable from your purse or carry-on.  It helps to pack all makeup in your checked luggage.

If you are flying to a new time zone, set your watch to the correct time in your new time zone before take-off.  When it is time to sleep in the new time zone, take Melatonin to help reset your internal clock to your new destination.  Drink sparkling water instead of alcohol because alcohol dehydrates your body, and airplane air is quite dry already.

Be sure to take along your ergonomic seat so that your back and neck have the utmost of care on your trip, and so that you sit properly instead of creating strain on your spine that can lead to back or neck pain.  Flight induced back or neck pain could certainly put a damper on an otherwise wonderful vacation!

A scientifically-designed back support helps you maintain correct posture while sitting for so long, and should be considered a MUST during long flights.  It also limits support to muscles adjacent to the spine so that they are not weakened by sitting – this is key to preventing back pain and overall weakening.

Last but not least, make sure to get up and walk through the cabin frequently during your flight to allow your muscles to stretch and move.

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We have all lived this story.  It’s been a long day at work, and we are tired.  Our back, neck, and feet hurt.  We come home and immediately slump down in our favorite chair in front of the television – and are surprised to find that our backs and necks hurt even more when we are ready to go to bed.

Why?  Because habitual slumped sitting creates more stress on the body, even though we think we are relaxing!  This is because our joints are compressed, which weakens the back muscles and causes chronic pain over time.

Sitting properly means sitting with our weight evenly distributed across our pelvic bones, with our spines lifted upwards.  With proper alignment, our joints are no longer in compression which creates chronic back pain over time.  And poor spinal health can cause vital nerves to become compressed, which can result in a whole host of physical illnesses that can manifest in seemingly unrelated ways.

An ergonomic seat and back support can help with this relearning process, by making it easier to sit properly AND making you more aware of your posture while sitting at work, at home, and in a car.  Having proper back support can strengthen your back muscles, relieve chronic neck and back pain, and give you an overall youthful and energetic appearance through better posture.

Frequent travelers are even more in need of being reeducated, as airline seats are small and flights are long.  Your back support can easily be taken along on that 15 hour flight to Europe – whereas you used to arrive exhausted, sitting properly can mean arriving in a much better state of comfort and health.

Sitting properly also means giving your muscles a break from time to time by getting up and moving around.  If you perform office work or sit at a desk all day, it is important to get up from time to time to stretch the muscles, and prevent sitting fatigue.  Getting up to get a glass of water will improve your health in other ways as well.  And yes, your seat support is a wonderful office companion, as it can be a measurable productivity booster.

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While ergonomic desk chairs have consistently been one of the best posture and back support apparatuses on the market for the last 20 years, how do you know which type of ergonomic chair is best for your specific back care needs?  Ergonomic chairs have been used widely for years, to enhance productivity in the work place by accommodating to the specific health care needs that are evident when dealing with employees that sit at their desks for long periods of time.  To avoid work related back injuries, the ergonomic chair was created to not only support your back and spine, but improve your overall posture as well.  But what are the different types of ergonomic chairs, and how can you find the right one for you?

Studies have shown that the human body was not created to sit in one position for extended periods of time, and this can even be very dangerous to your overall back health in the short term, as well as down the line.  This is why, if you’re an individual who may have a job where you may find yourself sitting for extended periods of time, you may want to consider buying an ergonomic chair, or at least an ergonomic seat, for yourself.

Since ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to coincide with the body and the spine as it performs certain tasks, workers naturally undergo less stress on the body, while enjoying better posture as well.  On a managerial side, supplying ergonomic desk chairs can also increase employee productivity, increase employee healthiness and happiness, and even cut down on worker’s compensation cases down the line.  But what are the different types of ergonomic chairs, and can you really find one to suit your individual needs?

There are many different types of ergonomic desk chairs on the market today, but the three most popular are the Ergonomic Task Chair, the Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, and the High Back Ergonomic Office Chair.  Each one serves different specific functions and is suited to handle different individual needs.

The Ergonomic Task Chair is an ergonomic chair that helps individuals in repetitive movement oriented jobs, such as computer, or drafting and design work.  This chair is specifically designed to foster the best posture and back support, while being able to be adjusted to fit any size person.

The Ergonomic Kneeling Chair is specifically designed to reduce pressure from the seated area of the body, and transfer it to the lower part of the body.  This chair allows the user to sit upright while aligning the spine and reducing pressure on the neck, shoulders, and lumbar region.  The kneeling chair is specifically designed to allow movement while working, so as to relieve lumbar related stress caused by extensive desk related work.

The High Back Ergonomic Office Chair on the other hand is designed with more luxury in mind, while doing the same job as any standard ergonomic chair.  Many of these units may be made of leather and provide a larger seating area than normal ergonomic units.  They provide ample arm and head rests, great lumbar support, and are sometimes made with massaging and heating units already built in.

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As we all know, maintaining proper lumbar health is very important to the short term, and long term health of our back and spine.  Maintaining good spine health requires a maximum effort on your part, to not only be aware of your posture at all times, but be aware of your sitting positions as well.  And one of the best things you can do to correct your poor sitting posture is to buy an ergonomic seat.  Ergonomic seats have been used for decades to improve back and spine health, making a person more comfortable when sitting for long periods of time, and improving posture in the process.  But are all ergonomic seats equal, and what should you look for when deciding to buy one for yourself?

Ergonomic seats work by helping the body to naturally maintain a proper sitting position, without having to constantly be thinking of your posture, while extending comfort in the process.  A good ergonomic seat creates an almost effortless sitting environment, where you can sit for hours in one position, and not feel any stiffness or back pain.  A good ergonomic seat can boost individual morale in many circumstances, and may improve employee productivity as well.  But what exactly should you be looking for in an ergonomic seat, and how can you tell a good one from one that is poorly made?

First off, any good ergonomic seat should be adjustable.  The tilt tension of the chair, or the part of the chair that makes the chair move, should be always be adjustable to find the correct comfort level for you.  An ergonomic seat that is not adjustable could even cause more back pain to the individual if it is not properly adjusted.  Some chairs automatically adjust to the height and weight of the person, while others need to be adjusted manually.

The height of the seat, as well as the chair itself, should also be adjustable.  The height of the seat is usually adjusted by a pneumatic lift or a gas lift.  The height of the seat will be adjusted depending upon the exact height and weight of the person.  To adjust the height of the seat correctly, upon sitting down, your feet should be exactly flat on the floor.  The height of the arms of the chair should be adjustable as well.  The arms of the chair should always be level with the height of the desk or table your sitting at.  This helps to relieve stress while working at the computer, or doing other kinds of desk work.

Ergonomic desk chairs are great for back support, as well as proper lumbar health, but if the chair is not made to the right specifications, it can do more harm than good.  A good ergonomic chair should be effective in naturally fixing proper sitting positions, preventing lower back pain, and providing proper lumbar support at all times.  If you’re looking for an ergonomic seat for yourself, but it is not adjustable, and is in a one size fits all format, do not even think about buying it.  Everybody’s back support needs are different, and the one size fits all theory does not work when associated with lumbar theory.

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Ergonomics deals with the design of jobs, tools, equipment, and environments to complement the abilities and limitations of the human body.  It has mainly focused on the workplace, however, school staff and students can also benefit from learning how to appropriately set up a computer workstation, the best backpack design and use, and how to adjust their posture during after school tasks.

Tips for students

-    At home and at school, adjust the computer workstation to a comfortable position

-    Take breaks every thirty minutes, move around and stretch

-    Do not overload your backpack; it should weigh up to 10 to 15% more than your weight

-    Establish a schedule to play computer games, and switch between games that allow you to use different controls so that your thumbs don’t get numb

-    If you have an after school job, avoid lifting, carrying, and working with your hands overhead, bending your back, and repeating movements

-    Ask your employer about the ergonomics principles they recommend

Tips for school staff

Teachers

-    Adjust the computer workstation to a comfortable position
-    Do not bend your back for a long time when working with the students, sit down or squat for short whiles

Custodians

-    Do not lift heavy mop buckets to pour into sinks, look for a floor drain and tip the bucket over, or get a bucket with a bottom emptier

Kitchen staff

-    Store heavy supplies on lower shelves
-    Open heavy boxes and put items away individually
-    Use carts to move pots, supplies, and other heavy objects

Librarians

-    Adjust the computer workstation to a comfortable position
-    Put books that are frequently requested on a cart near the front
-    Use the appropriate ladder or step to reach books on high shelves without straining your body

Administrators

-    Before buying furniture and equipment, determine the product’s use and research the available options to find the ones with the best ergonomic principles
-    Purchase appropriate back supports for the members of the staff who spends long hours sitting in front of a computer due to the demands of their jobs

There is no question about it; appropriate ergonomics will enhance school staff and students’ performance while at school, and even during after school activities, without mentioning the positive attitude it will bring into their work and lives due to the feeling of wellness that comes with improving ones general posture.

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Working with a computer regularly can expose you to several back and neck health risks given the fact that it requires you to spend many hours sitting in the same position and doing the same movements.

Even if you don’t believe it, computer work is very demanding.  If you think about it carefully, it is very common to slouch or lean after a short time in front of a computer, and these actions force our bodies into uncomfortable positions that put a lot of stress on our neck and spine.

Computer ergonomics can help you prevent immediate back and neck pain as well as chronic conditions related to neck and spine misalignment.  Knowing how to adjust you body while working at a computer can bring you numerous benefits, including getting rid of regular headaches, reducing back pain, eliminating shoulder pain, and improving productivity and concentration.

Here are 7 tips to make computer work serve you for a change:

1.    Move regularly
When you sit or stand in the same position for a long time you are forcing your body.  This is why one of the best things you can do in regards to computer ergonomics is to move and change positions frequently.  Move your legs; stop typing and shake your arms a little; move your shoulders up and down and back and forth; take your eyes off the screen and focus on distant objects; and take regular breaks to walk and stretch a little.

2.    Adjust the monitor
The monitor should be located so that when you look at it, your neck is in a neutral position, not bent down or up.  Your back must be reclined a little, never leaning forward to see what you’re working on.  Try to get a monitor with a movable slide, so that you can lower or raise it to find the best position.

3.    Adjust the keyboard
The keyboard should not be on your lap or on the desk.  It should be positioned below the desk on a special tray to make sure your wrists and forearms maintain a neutral position.  The keyboard must also be tilted away from you in order to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

4.    Find the right mouse
Start by placing your elbows close to your body and hands on the desk with the forearms extended naturally.  Move your hands over the space without separating your elbows from your body; this is your neutral reach zone, and it is the space in which the mouse should be used.  You should avoid reaching out of this area with it.  The mouse must be next to the keyboard on the tray, and there should be room to change sides in case you start feeling numbness or pain.  There are symmetrical mouses that you can use with both hands.

5.    Find a clear place for your workstation
Each task you perform requires different lighting and the amount of light each individual requires is a very personal matter; however, as a general rule, your workstation should be moderately bright.  You should make sure there is no glare on the monitor and that there is not too much light

6.    Locate everything within easy reach
You shouldn’t reach out to grab things on your desk because this action forces your body into extreme postures that can cause an injury.  Everything should be organized so as to be reached easily while you are sitting in front of your computer.

7.    Get an ergonomic office chair or proper back support
Purchase the best chair and back support you can afford.  Select one that suits your body, your workspace, and the activities you do, and then adjust it appropriately so that you sit at a slightly reclined angle.

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As you get older, muscles tighten and the joints’ range of motion decreases, affecting your lifestyle even to the point of preventing you from performing your daily activities and normal movements.  It is possible that what used to be very easy to do becomes a real challenge after a certain age.

There are numerous ways to achieve a better quality of life as you age; some of them are:

-    Increase your flexibility and range of motion
-    Strengthen weak muscles
-    Perform special exercises designed to improve bad posture

All of the above can be enhanced with regular stretching routines.  Stretching will help you lengthen muscles and tendons, which allows you to have a better range of motion, which means your extremities and joints are able to move further before an injury happens.  It doesn’t matter how old you are, stretching will improve your daily life by making every activity easier to handle.

There is no excuse here; everyone can learn to stretch appropriately, despite age, gender, or level of flexibility.  To do it right, stretch until you feel the muscle is pulling a little, without feeling any pain.  Hold the stretch for several seconds and the muscle will relax.  As you start feeling less rigidity in the muscles and joints, increase the stretch range until you feel the soft pulling again.  Hold it until you feel the tightness is gone, but never, ever, bounce while you stretch; you can cause serious muscle damage.

Younger people can stretch to prevent injuries; it helps muscles and joints recover faster and decreases soreness after rigorous exercise.  Stretching will ensure muscles and tendons are in good working condition so that they can handle severe sports and exercise effectively.  The more one stretches the less danger one has of getting serious muscle and tendon injuries.

Once you get into a regular stretching routine, you will experience lots of benefits; among the most important are:

-    Less muscle rigidity
-    More energy, due to better circulation
-    Injury prevention
-    Better movement range in joints
-    Better muscular coordination
-    Better blood circulation throughout the body

In order to stretch appropriately and get the best out of the routine, have a professional design one for you, based on his or her knowledge of the body and its functioning, and, of course, on your specific needs.

If you are not crazy about exercising or stretching, look for ways to improve your posture, since it has a direct influence in your general wellbeing.  Look for appropriate seat support to help you learn good sitting and standing posture habits.  When you sit and stand correctly, your muscles and joints rest, they are not stressed and overworked, and you achieve a normal stretching of your muscles, tendons, and internal organs, enhancing circulation and the passing of air through the body.

However, try stretching.  It is a great way to relax and to keep your body mechanics balanced.  If for anything, try it because it will certainly make you feel great.

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TMJ means temporomandibular joint.  It is a ball and socket joint at each side of the head.  TMJ health problems are common and very difficult to treat; if you have suffered them, you know what we mean.  These problems happen when the joint is under stress; common causes are dental work, a blow to the jaw, osteoarthritis, or trauma from car accidents, however, there is a reason for muscular stress that is often overlooked as a cause for TMJ: poor body alignment.

Something that may look as simple and unimportant as uneven and rounded shoulders may be causing you excruciating pain.  When one shoulder is lower than the other, this causes a constant downward pull on one side of the jaw and ear, causing neck, jaw, and ear pain, tinnitus, and even vertigo.  If your shoulders round inward, this will cause a forward pull on both sides of the neck.

Physical therapy and yoga can help you even your shoulders and pull them back, eventually getting rid of TMJ pain.  However, if you stop your yoga and therapy routines, while at the same time spend too much time at the computer, for example, the discomfort will return, thus, it is necessary to be very disciplined and encourage prevention through conscious practices.

To see if poor posture could be causing your TMJ pain, take a look in the mirror.  Stand up straight and face a full-length mirror, look at your shoulders and examine if they are even.  Feel the muscles on each side of your neck to see if they are the same, if not, you will feel a side more stretched out and weaker.  Also check if your head is even over your shoulders from side to side, or if it is tilted to one side.

Return your hands to the sides of your body and look at them in the mirror.  If your muscles are well balanced, your hands will hang straight at your side, with the thumbs facing forward, otherwise, you will see your palms flat against your thighs and the back of your hands will face forward.  This means your shoulders are rounded, and it can cause muscle tension in your jaw because your chest muscles are tight and pulling the shoulders in, and your back muscles are weak and stretched out, causing a forward pull on the jaw.

Finally, turn to one side and check your posture.  Your arm should hang freely at your side, and the back of your hand should be flat against your thigh.  Your head should be even on top of your spine, not tilted forward or backwards.  Your shoulder should be exactly below your ear.

The musculoskeletal alignment of the body is primordial for its general health, given the fact that it encompasses the whole body structure.  If misaligned, the person will not only suffer from pain which is directly related to muscles and bones, but also from sickness produced by the crushing of organs and lack of air resulting from a bad posture.  It could mean a complete body failure, capable of ruining your life.

This is a huge risk that can be easily avoided.  Now you know how important good posture is for your health, so you can take the necessary measures to correct it.  There are physical therapies, alternative therapies, posture training, posture and back support, and massages, among others.  However, if you are suffering from TMJ or any other physical problem, the first thing you should do is see your doctor for professional advice; only then, can you implement any kind of therapy or change in your life safely and effectively.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.trucomfort.com as the original source).