Posture and Body Mechanics

Most back pain adults have can be prevented or decreased by using proper posture and body mechanics when completing everyday activities or lifting objects. Teaching clients proper posture and body mechanics can prevent injury. As OT's, we have the ability to educate clients in order to prevent future issues that can improve independence and quality of life. Adapting health habits can decrease the risk of further injury, back pain, nerve damage, deformities and risk for surgeries. Proper body mechanics will help a client lift something as safely and effectively as possible. Modifications can be made to accommodate different lifting circumstances to increase spinal alignment and good body mechanics. Teaching proper body mechanics reduces the strain and stress placed on the back muscles that get enough strain normally and do not need more placed on it. Proper posture can increase efficient respiration and organ function because the rib cage can fully expand. In addition, it requires minimal energy expenditure when using proper posture and mechanics. 

When teaching a client proper body mechanics, I would relate specific examples back to their personal daily routine. I would examine the activity demands of their occupation (job) and give clear demonstration and examples to show proper body mechanics and posture. For example, if a client sits at a computer for most of the day, I would explain how they might have exaggerated spinal curves that can overstretch muscles and connective tissues.I would suggest frequent breaks and incorporating exercise and walking into their day.  Over time, excessive thoracic kyphosis can produce weakness and tightness. I would demonstrate proper alignment and suggest any chairs, desks or equipment to encourage proper posture. While sitting, I would teach the client how to shift their weight frequently, as well as distribute their weight throughout both legs. 

If a client worked a physically demanding job such as construction or a mechanic, I would explain the importance of keeping a solid base of support and line of gravity. I would demonstrate how to properly lift an object by keeping it close to you, the spine straight, and lift from the legs.I would use a broom stick to visual show the client how to keep an erect, neutral spine when lifting. It should stay as close to the body when lifting. Any other visual aids, like videos, can be used.  I would encourage looking at their body mechanics in the mirror and then correcting. Proper posture and body mechanics is a habit that can be adapted over time. If they had problems when they are relaxing at home with back pain, we could introduce a pillow between the knees to alleviate pressure accompanied by side lying or a neutral position. trunk and core strength is vital in successful body mechanics when lifting. Exercising and strengthening should be done frequently to decrease the risk of injury. 

Man from the South

The little finger is extremely important for grip strength and opposition. If the soldier lost the bet, he would loose most of his abilities to grip objects. The little finger is important for holding and lifting things. The soldier would not be able to hold his gun, assuming he was a combat soldier. Holding a gun steadily inorder to accurately fire would require a power grip. The pinky is vital to all grip types like cylincirdcal, hook, power and spherical. If he drinks coffee his ability to hold his coffee cup would also be impaired. Holding a tooth brush would also present as a new challenge due to lack of an effective grip. He could not have a strong hold on his gun, coffee cup or tooth brush. The loss of a dinger presents a barrier to Activities of Daily living. 

The wife only had one finger and her thumb remaining on her hand. She would have no ability to grasp objects firmly. When doing laundry, she would be limited to a fine pincer type grip with her two fingers. She could not control any large items in her hands. Picking up a cooking skillet would be a barrier with only two fingers on her hand. The muscles in the hand would not be strong enough to hold a heavy pot or skillet with one finger and a thumb. The wife would not be able to hold pencil and write out her grocery list or pay bills. Driving her Cadillac would be difficult if unable to hold onto the steering wheel and control it. 

A modification for the soldier would be a prosthetic pinky that is controlled by the forearm and wrist. Although it may not provide all function back, the goal would be to restore the ability to grip and control objects like his gun. prosthesis is not an option, the soldier would have to adapt by learning alternative ways to everyday activities (with the help of his OT if available). To pick up his coffee cup, he could grasp his remaining fingers from two hands around his coffee mug to bring it towards his mouth utilizing his palms. A modified toothbrush handle could be implemented such as a finger tooth brush. The bottom of the tooth brush is like a glove that slips onto fingers. The more fingers the brush could fit on would increase the stability and muscle movement needed to brush his teeth. A picture is attached below! The soldier could work on the strength of the remaining digits to increase their ability to compensate for the loss. 






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