A lumbar herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition where the soft inner material of the disc leaks out through a tear in the tough outer layer, potentially causing discomfort, pain, or nerve damage. This problem frequently occurs in the lower back (lumbar region) of the spine.
Proper posture is a critical element of spine health. Maintaining a correct alignment of the body while sitting, standing, or moving plays a significant role in minimizing strain and pressure on the spine, which can help to prevent injuries, such as a lumbar herniated disc. Bad posture over extended periods can lead to structural changes in the spine, causing pain and other serious complications.
The purpose of this article is to shed light on the dangers of bad posture, with a particular focus on its implications for lumbar herniated discs. This is an essential topic due to the rising prevalence of poor posture, largely because of sedentary lifestyles and extensive use of technology. A study in the Asian Spine Journal highlighted that poor posture could contribute to various musculoskeletal problems, including spinal conditions like lumbar herniated disc [1]. By understanding the link between posture and spinal health, readers will be better equipped to make necessary adjustments in their daily lives.
Understanding Posture
Good posture refers to a position where the body is aligned in such a way that the least amount of strain is placed on muscles, ligaments, and bones. It’s not merely about aesthetics but also about maintaining bodily functions, reducing the risk of injuries, and improving overall health and well-being. Research in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that good posture can also enhance lung capacity and oxygen intake, emphasizing its broader health implications [2].
The importance of good posture
lies in its ability to help our bodies function at their best. Maintaining good posture offers several key benefits:
- Prevents Chronic Pain: Good posture helps prevent conditions that cause chronic pain, like tension headaches or musculoskeletal issues.
- Optimizes Breathing: When your body is properly aligned, your lungs have more space to expand, which can help improve your breathing and circulation.
- Improves Digestion: A straight spine allows your internal organs to sit properly and can aid in digestion and prevent gastrointestinal issues.
- Boosts Mood and Energy Levels: Studies suggest a connection between good posture and a positive mood. Standing and sitting upright can increase your energy levels and self-confidence.
- Prevents Injury: Good posture can reduce the risk of injury, especially in the back, during physical activities.
The connection between posture and spinal health is significant. Good posture maintains the natural curves of the spine, resulting in balanced load distribution throughout the vertebrae and discs. This balance prevents overuse and wear-and-tear in specific areas, reducing the risk of injuries and conditions such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis. A study in the European Spine Journal found that poor posture is a significant contributor to lumbar disc degeneration [3].
Conversely, poor posture can lead to alterations in the spine’s alignment, causing undue stress on the spinal joints, ligaments, muscles, and intervertebral discs. Over time, this can contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions and degenerative diseases of the spine.
Read More: The best treatment of PLID/ Disc herniation / Disc prolapse in Bangladesh
Causes of Bad Posture:
Bad posture can result from a variety of factors, often arising from our daily habits and lifestyles. Here are several common causes:
Prolonged Sitting: Spending long hours sitting, especially in front of a computer or television, can lead to slouching or hunching, which contributes to poor posture. Sitting without proper back support or at an improperly adjusted workstation can also strain the muscles supporting the spine.
Incorrect Ergonomics: If your workstation is not set up correctly—for example, if your computer monitor is too high or too low—it can force you to hold your neck and shoulders in an awkward position, leading to poor posture.
Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the stomach and abdomen, can pull the body forward, causing the back to curve and resulting in poor posture.
Weak Muscles: Lack of strength in the back, core, and lower body muscles can make it difficult to maintain proper posture. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the spine, and if they are weak, maintaining an upright posture becomes difficult.
High Heels or Improper Footwear: Regularly wearing high heels or shoes without adequate support can misalign your body and spine, leading to poor posture.
Aging: As we age, we can lose muscle strength and flexibility, which can lead to a stooped posture. Degenerative conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis can also affect posture.
Psychological Factors: Stress and low self-esteem can influence posture. Some people adopt a slouched posture due to a lack of confidence or in response to stress or emotional distress.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity or exercise can lead to muscle weakness and poor posture. Similarly, carrying heavy backpacks or purses can strain the muscles and cause you to lean to one side.
Injuries and Conditions: Injuries to the back or conditions such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis can cause bad posture. Also, conditions such as scoliosis, where the spine curves to the side, can lead to posture issues.
Awareness of these potential causes can help in developing strategies to improve posture. This might involve ergonomic improvements, regular exercise, posture-focused exercises, weight management, stress management, or consulting with a healthcare or physical therapy professional for personalized advice.
Effects of Bad Posture:
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that chronic low back pain due to disc herniation can significantly affect the quality of life [4].
Muscle Fatigue: Your body’s muscles work hard to keep you upright. When you have bad posture, certain muscles are forced to work harder than others to compensate for this imbalance. This overwork can lead to fatigue in those muscles. Over time, this imbalance may cause some muscles to become tight and tense, while others may become weak from lack of use.
Strain: Poor posture doesn’t just affect your muscles; it can also put extra strain on your joints, ligaments, and tendons. If your body is constantly held in an improper alignment, the unequal distribution of weight can cause excessive wear and tear on these structures. This can lead to conditions such as tendonitis or osteoarthritis over time.
Pain: When muscles are fatigued and structures are strained, it often results in pain. The most common areas where people experience pain due to poor posture are the neck, shoulders, and back. However, the pain can also radiate to other areas, such as the arms, hands, hips, or legs. Chronic headaches can also be a consequence of poor posture, especially if you are constantly hunched over or craning your neck forward.
Degenerative Conditions: Long-term bad posture can indeed contribute to the development of degenerative conditions of the spine. The constant pressure and stress put on the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs from bad posture can cause these structures to deteriorate over time. This can lead to conditions like herniated discs, where the inner part of the disc protrudes through the outer layer, or osteoarthritis of the spine, which involves the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the joints in the spine.
The Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine, located in the lower back, consists of five large vertebrae designated as L1 through L5. These vertebrae are the heaviest and bear most of the body’s weight. Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers, cushioning the bones from rubbing against each other during movement. According to an article in the Journal of Anatomy, these structures are essential for the flexibility and stability of the spine [5].
The lumbar vertebrae are uniquely shaped to accommodate a range of motions including bending, twisting, and lifting, all while supporting the majority of the body’s weight. They are sturdier and broader compared to the other spinal vertebrae.
Each vertebra has a central hole, and these holes align to form the spinal canal, which houses and protects the spinal cord. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord through spaces between the vertebrae, carrying signals to and from the brain to the rest of the body.
Read More: Self-diagnosis of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse/PLID/Disc Herniation
How the spine can be affected by posture
The alignment of the lumbar spine is intimately connected to posture. In a neutral, upright posture, the lumbar spine naturally has a slight inward curve known as lordosis. This curve helps to evenly distribute the forces exerted on the spine during movement or when bearing weight.
According to a study published in Spine, poor posture, specifically slouching, can increase the load on the lumbar discs by up to 50% [6]. Over time, this can lead to an imbalance in the distribution of weight across the vertebrae and discs, increasing the strain on certain areas of the lumbar spine.
Chronic poor posture can cause the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine to become overstretched or weakened, which in turn can lead to back pain and a higher likelihood of injuries. It can also accelerate wear and tear on the spinal structures, contributing to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or disc degeneration.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
A herniated disc in the lumbar region due to bad posture can be a result of continuous and prolonged strain on the spine. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Your spine has a natural S-curve, with the lumbar spine or lower back curving inward. This curvature helps in evenly distributing the forces exerted on the spine during movement or when bearing weight. When you have a good posture, this natural alignment is maintained, minimizing the stress on your intervertebral discs.
However, poor posture, such as slouching or hunching, can distort this natural alignment and put excess pressure on certain areas of your spine, particularly the lumbar region. A study published in PLoS One found a significant association between sitting time and lower back pain, indicating the potential impact of poor seated posture [7]. When you sit or stand with bad posture, the lower back tends to flatten out or curve outward, resulting in an increased load on the front of the intervertebral discs. This load creates a bulging effect, pushing the disc material towards the back. A study in The Spine Journal found that individuals with sustained bad posture have a significantly higher risk of developing disc herniation [8].
Over time, the outer layer of the disc, known as the annulus fibrosus, can start to wear out and tear due to this continuous pressure. When this happens, the soft, gel-like inner material of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) can push through the tear in the outer layer and protrude out, leading to a disc herniation.
If the herniated disc pushes against nearby nerves exiting the spinal cord, it can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, a condition known as sciatica.
That’s why maintaining a good posture is so essential. It helps to keep your spine in its natural alignment, reducing the pressure on your discs and lowering the risk of a herniated disc. If you’re suffering from chronic bad posture, it’s beneficial to work on improving it through exercises, physical therapy, and being mindful of your body’s positioning throughout the day.
Read More: The Connection Between Lumbar Herniated Disc and Sciatic Pain: A Comprehensive Review Supported by Clinical Evidence
Tips for Improving Posture
The Mayo Clinic recommends aligning your body correctly while sitting or standing, lifting heavy objects with your knees rather than your back, and regularly changing your position [9].
Maintaining good posture in different scenarios:
Sitting:
- Choose a chair that supports your spinal curves.
- Adjust the chair height so your feet rest flat on the floor or on a footrest.
- Ensure your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Keep your knees at or below hip level.
- Keep your back against the chair and avoid slouching or leaning forward.
- Ensure your arms are relaxed and your elbows bend at a roughly 90-degree angle at the sides.
Standing:
- Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
- Keep your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
- Avoid locking your knees; keep them slightly bent.
- Tuck your stomach in slightly, maintaining a small gap between your back and your clothing.
- Keep your head level and your earlobes in line with your shoulders.
- Shift your weight from your toes to your heels if you have to stand for a long time.
Walking:
- Keep your head up and eyes looking straight ahead.
- Avoid pushing your head forward.
- Keep your back straight and avoid twisting your body.
- Let your arms swing naturally at your sides.
- Step smoothly as if rolling your foot from heel to toe.
Lifting Heavy Objects:
- Stand close to the object you are about to lift.
- Use your legs and knees rather than your back and waist to lift.
- Tighten your core muscles.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Avoid twisting your body when lifting and lowering the object.
Exercises and Therapies to Improve Posture and Prevent Lumbar Disc Herniation:
A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science reported that a program of stretching and strengthening exercises significantly improved posture and reduced pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation [10].
regular exercise and physical therapy can be very effective in promoting a healthy lumbar spine, improving your posture, and preventing conditions like lumbar disc herniation. Here are a few exercises and therapies that may be beneficial:
Strengthening exercises: Core-strengthening exercises target the abdominal and lower back muscles, which are essential for providing support to the lumbar spine. Examples of these exercises include planks, bridges, and leg lifts.
Flexibility exercises: Stretching exercises help improve the flexibility of your spine and surrounding muscles. These may include exercises like knee-to-chest stretches, hamstring stretches, and lower back rotational stretches.
Aerobic exercise: Regular low-impact aerobic activities can increase strength and endurance in your back and improve muscle function. Walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding can be good options.
Posture training: This might include exercises and practices aimed at improving your posture while sitting, standing, and moving. It’s important to keep the back straight, shoulders back, and body balanced. Physical therapists can provide guidance on maintaining proper posture.
Yoga or Pilates: These methods focus on body awareness and alignment while also strengthening the core. They can improve flexibility, strength, and posture, potentially reducing the risk of lumbar disc herniation.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can tailor an exercise regimen to your specific needs and monitor your progress. They can guide you through exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, increase your flexibility, and improve your posture.
Ergonomics: Adjusting your workspace to be more body-friendly can make a big difference. This may involve using a chair that supports your lower back, setting your computer screen at eye level, and taking frequent breaks to stand and stretch.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on the lumbar spine, which can help prevent disc herniation and other back problems.
Mindful movement: Be aware of how you move throughout your day, especially when lifting and carrying heavy objects. It’s important to use your legs and knees rather than your back.
These exercises and therapies can be very effective, but they’re not a guaranteed prevention method. It’s also important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you already have back problems. They can provide guidance and ensure that the exercises you’re doing are safe and suitable for your specific needs.
Conclusion
The significance of good posture cannot be overstated. Maintaining proper body alignment reduces the strain on the spine and lowers the risk of developing painful conditions like a lumbar herniated disc. It’s a simple, yet crucial aspect of health that we often overlook.
Therefore, we urge all readers to pay more attention to their posture. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or moving, a small change can make a big difference. If you’re dealing with chronic back pain or suspect you might have poor posture, seek professional help. It’s never too late to start making healthier choices for your spine.
FAQ’s
What is a lumbar herniated disc?
A lumbar herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance of a disc in the lower spine protrudes through the outer layer, which can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
How does bad posture contribute to a lumbar herniated disc?
Bad posture places additional, uneven pressure on the discs in your spine, leading to wear and tear over time. This increased load can cause the outer part of the disc to crack or tear, allowing the inner material to protrude out, leading to a herniated disc.
What are some common signs of bad posture?
Common signs of bad posture include slouching, rounded shoulders, a tilted head, a jutting abdomen, or bent knees when standing or walking.
What are the symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc?
Symptoms may include lower back pain, numbness or tingling in the lower back or one or both legs, weakness in one or both legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases.
How can I improve my posture to reduce the risk of a lumbar herniated disc?
Regular physical activity, strength training (especially exercises that target your core and back muscles), practicing yoga or pilates, and regular breaks from prolonged sitting or standing can all contribute to better posture. Using ergonomic furniture and being mindful of your posture in different positions (sitting, standing, lifting) can also help.
What should I do if I suspect I have a lumbar herniated disc?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest a herniated disc, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include pain management strategies, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Can a lumbar herniated disc be reversed with better posture?
Improving posture can certainly help reduce the stress on your lower spine and may alleviate some symptoms of a herniated disc. However, it’s unlikely to reverse the condition completely, particularly if the herniation is severe. Treatment plans often involve a combination of pain management, physical therapy, and possibly surgery, along with posture improvement.
References
1. Chun, S.W., Lim, C.Y., Kim, K., Hwang, J. and Chung, S.G., 2017. The relationships between low back pain and lumbar lordosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Spine Journal, 17(8), pp.1180-1191. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1529943017301912
2. Lin, F., Parthasarathy, S., Taylor, S.J., Pucci, D., Hendrix, R.W. and Makhsous, M., 2006. Effect of different sitting postures on lung capacity, expiratory flow, and lumbar lordosis. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 87(4), pp.504-509. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999305014723
3. Brink, Y., Crous, L.C., Louw, Q.A., Grimmer-Somers, K. and Schreve, K., 2009. The association between postural alignment and psychosocial factors to upper quadrant pain in high school students: a prospective study. Manual therapy, 14(6), pp.647-653. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1356689X09000411
4. Katz, J.N., 2006. Lumbar disc disorders and low-back pain: socioeconomic factors and consequences. JBJS, 88(suppl_2), pp.21-24. https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/fulltext/2006/04002/lumbar_disc_disorders_and_low_back_pain_.5.aspx
5. Bogduk, N., 2005. Clinical anatomy of the lumbar spine and sacrum. Elsevier Health Sciences.
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UYC_NpoFfAsC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=5.%09Bogduk,+N.+(2005).+Clinical+Anatomy+of+the+Lumbar+Spine+and+Sacrum.+Journal+of+Anatomy.&ots=9_TuOlcSQI&sig=0qMroDQnH3kW8EZlcsVpM6R_JA8
6. Callaghan, J.P. and McGill, S.M., 2001. Intervertebral disc herniation: studies on a porcine model exposed to highly repetitive flexion/extension motion with compressive force. Clinical biomechanics, 16(1), pp.28-37.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268003300000632
7. Tissot, F., Messing, K. and Stock, S., 2009. Studying the relationship between low back pain and working postures among those who stand and those who sit most of the working day. Ergonomics, 52(11), pp.1402-1418. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00140130903141204
8. Heliövaara, M., 1987. Occupation and risk of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc or sciatica leading to hospitalization. Journal of chronic diseases, 40(3), pp.259-264. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0021968187901627
9. Mayo Clinic. (2019). Posture: Align yourself for good health. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817
10. Heo MY, Kim K, Hur BY, Nam CW. The effect of lumbar stabilization exercises and thoracic mobilization and exercises on chronic low back pain patients. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Dec;27(12):3843-6. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.3843. Epub 2015 Dec 28. PMID: 26834365; PMCID: PMC4713804. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpts/27/12/27_jpts-2015-670/_article
Assistant professor, Dhaka College of Physiotherapy
Chief Consultant(Ex): Popular Medical college Hospital, Dhanmondi- 2.
Chairman and Chief Consultant: ASPC Manipulation Therapy Centre, Nurjahan Road, Mohammadpur.
Founder and conceptual inventor: Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) concept.
Secretary: Centre for the Rehabilitation of Autism and Person with Disabilities (CARD).
Secretary-General: Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA).
Phone +88 01712-867364
Email aspc.dhaka@gmail.com
Website https://aspc.com.bd
- সার্ভিকাল স্পন্ডাইলোসিস কি স্থায়ীভাবে নিরাময় করা যায় - August 1, 2024
- স্পাইনাল কর্ড ইনজুরি কী এবং সহজ সমাধান - June 13, 2024
- Sports Physical Therapy - May 9, 2024
