Dismiss Modal

Management

Back Safety: Poor Posture Hurts

Choose a preferred language

An unhealthy spine often starts with bad habits. Poor movement patterns and posture problems are common causes of back pain. Disk, bone, nerve, and soft tissue problems can all be affected by poor posture. They can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

Side view outline of man showing spine, back muscles, and abdominal muscles.


Poor posture backfires

Poor posture can cause pain. Too much slouching puts increased pressure on the disks. An excessive lumbar curve can overload and inflame the vertebrae. As a result, the back muscles may tighten or spasm to “splint” and protect the spine. This adds to the pain you feel.


Correct posture: The key to safe movement

Your spine bears your weight throughout the day. This is true whether you’re sleeping, standing, or bending. Certain positions strain your spine more than others. But by maintaining correct posture in all positions, you can reduce the stress on your spine.

Graph showing pressure on lower back during walking, standing, sitting, and bending.


To improve your standing posture, follow these steps:

  • Breathe deeply.

  • Relax your shoulders, hips, and ankles.

  • Think of the ears, shoulders, hips, and ankles as a series of dots. Now, adjust your body to connect the dots in a straight line.

  • Tuck your buttocks in just a bit if you need to.

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Wearing a Rib Belt

A rib belt is an elastic strap that may help reduce pain from chest muscle strain or rib fracture.

Read article
Orthopedics
Back Safety: Sleeping Positions

When you sleep, keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line.

Read article
Orthopedics
Hip Safety: Getting Into and Out of Bed

After hip replacement surgery, getting in and out of bed can be difficult. These instructions can help.

Read article
Orthopedics
Back Care Tips

Read on for things you can do to prevent acute back pain from coming back, and to reduce chronic back pain symptoms.

Our orthopedic specialists will get you moving pain-free again.

From orthopedic surgeons to physical therapists, our orthopedic team has been built to provide seamless care and support throughout your whole journey.

Browse our specialists