A physiotherapist will first assess the causes for a patient’s back and neck pain through a thorough examination of the spine and thoracic mobility.
Advice would then be given on how best to maintain mobility. Treatment may include manual therapy to help a patient regain lost mobility along with instructions on how to achieve ideal postural alignment.
Therapeutic exercises to support the spine would most often include safe stretches and regular exercise.
Practical tips: Stay flexible in all directions for optimal spinal health. If your mid section has limited rotation movement, more load and stress can be transferred to your lower back, neck or other body parts.
You can check your rotation by sitting in a chair with your arms crossed across your stomach; with a flexible spine, you should be able to turn equally to the right and left, and see behind yourself easily.
Don’t sit still in the same position at work.
Sitting at computers and desks all day puts increased pressured on your spine.
It is very important to make sure you get up and walk around every 30 minutes to keep the flow of blood and fluids to the spine.
