One of the biggest, most common sources of neck and back pain is bad posture. Posture is the stance your body takes to hold you up while sitting, standing, or lying down. If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or soreness, try following these three tips to alleviate the strain on your body.

3 Ways to Reduce Neck and Back Pain Through Posture

1. Avoid Slouching

If you work in an office, there’s a good chance that you’re susceptible to slouching during the eight or more hours you sit at the desk. This puts a strain on your spine, muscles, and joints that are holding you in place. Over time, this creates chronic pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. To avoid this, sit up straight or switch to an ergonomic chair or a standing desk.

2. Update Your Sleeping Arrangements

Although soft mattresses may be comfortable, they don’t support your weight in a way that is healthy for your spine. This can be remedied by purchasing a firmer mattress, using a pillow under your knees, or switching pillows. If you’re a side sleeper, choose a larger pillow that keeps your head level with your spine. Back sleepers should choose a small pillow under the neck for the right amount of support.

3. Stretch Throughout the Day

Most of our lives revolve around a sedentary lifestyle: we drive cars, sit in an office chair all day, and then relax on the couch when we get home. Not only can this decrease flexibility, but it can also lead to increased stiffness and tender muscles.

Regularly stretching the tendons, ligaments, and muscles supporting your spine will alleviate pain and improve mobility. Stretch a few minutes in the mornings, during your lunch break, and once in the evening. If your pain lasts more than three months, you may need to seek professional help for deeper stretches.

If you’ve taken the above steps and are still experiencing neck and back pain, consult the experts at Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center in Sheffield, OH. Their diverse team of medical doctors, chiropractors, physical and massage therapists, and more are trained to create individualized treatment plans that go above and beyond. Call (440) 240-9111 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.