HOW CROOKED ARE US BRITS?

Keep an eye on your spinal health

News from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has revealed that over half the UK population is crooked. Don’t fret, we’re not accusing you of fiddling expenses or cooking any books, by crooked we mean out of alignment with poor posture and bad backs. The BCA say that in a survey of 5000 Brits the incidence of bad posture has risen to 56% of the UK population, up from 38%. Alarmed at the news we at Men’s Health sat up straight and phoned Tim Hutchful from The British Chiropractic Association, to find out how we can avoid joining the crooked crowd. Here’s his advice.

Give your posture a sporting chance

“Any unaccustomed exercise can put you at risk of back pain,” says Hutchful. You might only play a relaxed low-risk sport once a week but you still need to prepare yourself sufficiently – mentally and physically. “Warming up and warming down is essential to ensure that your joints and muscles don’t get a shock. Strong abdominal muscles can help to prevent a potential bad back too.”

Don’t just sit there

“Lack of exercise is your worst enemy,” adds Hutchful. Regular exercise is integral as the fitter you are, the less likely you are to injure yourself. “Simple activity such as stretching and shoulder shrugging all helps to keep your back in line.” Do not sit for prolonged periods.

Don’t drive yourself around the bend

“There is almost twice as much pressure on your back when you are sitting incorrectly than there is if you stand up,” says Hutchful. So chill. A relaxed driving position reduces stress on the spine, allowing your seat to take your weight. “Try and make sure you are sitting as far back in the car seat as possible so it can support you fully.”

Perfect your PC posture

“It’s crucial to keep your spine supported throughout the time you’re working at a PC,” warns Hutchful. And don’t forget to move around. “Limit yourself to forty-minute sittings and take regular breaks and get a chair or desk arrangement that will keep your arms supported.”

Sleep then stretch

“Try and adopt a sleeping position, which creates less physical stress on the back first thing in the morning,” suggests Hutchful. For example, lay on your side not on your front with your neck twisted. “When you wake up, wake your body up and try some gentle stretches like drawing your knees to your chest.”

Most of all remember that when it comes to your back, pain is a warning sign. If you still have problems consult a BCA chiropractor.