Is Your Back Pain Caused by Poor Posture?

Back pain is an increasingly common issue, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. While injuries, underlying conditions, and stress can contribute to back discomfort, one of the most overlooked yet significant causes is poor posture (Cagnie et al., 2020; Frawley, 2000). Slouching at your desk, craning your neck to look at a screen, or standing with uneven weight distribution can all lead to chronic back pain.

At EliteAyurveda, we understand that addressing back pain involves more than just treating symptoms. Our Ayurvedic approach focuses on identifying and correcting the root cause, offering holistic and sustainable solutions for relief (Lad, 2002; Pole, 2013).

Back Pain Caused by Poor Posture

Back Pain Caused by Poor Posture


Understanding the Connection Between Posture and Back Pain

Posture refers to the way you hold your body while sitting, standing, or moving. When posture is poor, the spine’s natural alignment is disrupted, causing strain on muscles, ligaments, and joints (Cagnie et al., 2020). Over time, this strain can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in the back.

How Poor Posture Affects the Back:

  • Increased Pressure on Spinal Discs: Slouching compresses the discs between your vertebrae, potentially leading to herniation or bulging discs (Jordan et al., 2020).
  • Muscle Fatigue: Poor posture forces muscles to work harder to maintain balance, causing fatigue and pain.
  • Reduced Flexibility: Prolonged poor posture can lead to stiffness in the spine and surrounding muscles, limiting your range of motion.
  • Nerve Irritation: Misalignment of the spine can compress nerves, causing pain to radiate to other areas, such as the legs or arms.

Living with back pain caused by poor posture often comes with a range of physical and emotional challenges:

  1. Constant Discomfort: Persistent dull or sharp pain makes focusing on daily tasks difficult.
  2. Sleep Disturbances: Pain can interfere with restful sleep, leaving patients fatigued and irritable.
  3. Reduced Mobility: Tightness and stiffness limit movement, affecting exercise and simple tasks like bending or lifting.
  4. Emotional Impact: Chronic pain can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression, as patients struggle to find relief (Chrousos, 2009).
  5. Worsening Health: Without intervention, posture-related back pain can escalate, leading to more severe issues like degenerative disc disease or nerve damage (Manchikanti et al., 2014).

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Back Pain and Posture

In Ayurveda, back pain is often linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and the nervous system (Frawley, 2000). Poor posture disrupts the natural flow of energy (Prana) through the body, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to restoring balance, targeting both the physical and energetic causes of back pain (Sharma et al., 2007).

Key Ayurvedic Insights:

  • Vata Imbalance: Leads to dryness, stiffness, and pain in the joints and muscles.
  • Ama (Toxins): Accumulated toxins from poor digestion or lifestyle choices exacerbate inflammation and discomfort.
  • Prana Blockage: Posture issues disrupt the flow of energy, affecting the spine’s health and functionality.

At EliteAyurveda, we address back pain caused by poor posture through a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. Our approach focuses on relieving pain, improving posture, and promoting long-term spinal health (Lad, 2002).

Our Treatment Plan Includes:

  1. Personalized Herbal Medications
    • Custom formulations to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and nourish the musculoskeletal system.
    • These medications work holistically, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying Vata imbalance (Frawley, 2000).
  2. Therapeutic Oils and Applications
    • Kati Basti (Medicated Oil Therapy): Warm medicated oil is retained on the lower back to alleviate stiffness and encourage circulation.
    • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Improves blood flow, releases tension, and restores flexibility.
  3. Postural Corrections and Guidance
    • Advice on maintaining proper posture during daily activities, from sitting at a desk to lifting heavy objects.
    • Ergonomic adjustments at work and home for lasting improvement (Cagnie et al., 2020).
  4. Gentle Detoxification
    • Ayurvedic detox therapies like Virechana (purgation) remove toxins (Ama), reducing inflammation and pain (Sharma et al., 2007).
  5. Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises
    • Yoga Asanas (Bhujangasana, Marjariasana) strengthen the core, enhance spinal alignment, and increase flexibility.
    • Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) fosters relaxation, easing stress-induced tension (Chrousos, 2009).
  6. Lifestyle Adjustments
    • Balanced diet and daily routine to support the spine’s health and minimize Vata aggravation.
    • Stress management techniques like meditation to address emotional triggers of pain.

Why Bed Rest Falls Short

Ayurveda advocates active recovery over prolonged rest (Jordan et al., 2020). While brief rest may provide temporary relief, excessive bed rest can:

  • Weaken supporting muscles of the spine.
  • Slow circulation, hindering the healing process.
  • Increase stiffness and prolong recovery time.
  • Trigger mental health challenges like stress and depression.

EliteAyurveda’s Holistic Back Pain Treatment

At EliteAyurveda, patient-centered care is paramount. We offer:

  1. Root-Cause Diagnosis: Identifying doshic imbalances and lifestyle factors causing poor posture and pain.
  2. Tailored Treatments: Unique plans based on individual Prakriti (constitution) and Vikruti (imbalance).
  3. Comprehensive Support: Merging herbal remedies, external therapies, and lifestyle guidance for enduring relief.
  4. Experienced Practitioners: Over 15 years of Ayurvedic expertise ensuring effective, side-effect-free solutions.

From the Doctor’s Desk

Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, Lead Ayurveda Specialist at EliteAyurveda, explains:

“Back pain caused by poor posture isn’t just a mechanical issue—it reflects deeper systemic imbalances. Ayurveda addresses these imbalances, offering natural and sustainable ways to restore comfort and mobility.”


Take the First Step Toward Better Posture and Pain Relief

Don’t let poor posture dictate your life. With Ayurveda’s holistic approach, you can rediscover a pain-free existence.

📞 Contact us today: +91 8884722246
Reclaim your back health and overall well-being with Ayurveda.


Related-

Know more about Ayurvedic Spinal Disk & Radiculopathy Treatments.


References

References

1.Traeger AC Buchbinder R Elshaug AG Croft PR & Maher CG. Care for low back pain: can health systems deliver? Bulletin of the World Health Organization 201997423–433. ( 10.2471/BLT.18.226050) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

2.Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, Louw Q, Ferreira ML, Genevay S, Hoy D, Karppinen J, Pransky G, Sieper J, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet 20183912356–2367. ( 10.1016/S0140-6736(1830480-X) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

3.Sadler SG Spink MJ Ho A De Jonge XJ & Chuter VH. Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 201718179. ( 10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

4.O’Leary SA Paschos NK Link JM Klineberg EO Hu JC & Athanasiou KA. Facet joints of the spine: structure-function relationships, problems and treatments, and the potential for regeneration. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering 201820145–170. ( 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-062117-120924) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

5.Czaprowski D Stoliński Ł Tyrakowski M Kozinoga M & Kotwicki T. Non-structural misalignments of body posture in the sagittal plane. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders 2018136. ( 10.1186/s13013-018-0151-5) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

6.Csuhai ÉA Nagy AC Váradi Z & Veres-Balajti I. Functional analysis of the spine with the Idiag SpinalMouse system among sedentary workers affected by non-specific low back pain. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 202017. ( 10.3390/ijerph17249259) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

7.Evcik D & Yücel A. Lumbar lordosis in acute and chronic low back pain patients. Rheumatology International 200323163–165. ( 10.1007/s00296-002-0268-x) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

8.Jackson RP & McManus AC. Radiographic analysis of sagittal plane alignment and balance in standing volunteers and patients with low back pain matched for age, sex, and size: a prospective controlled clinical study. Spine 1994191611–1618. ( 10.1097/00007632-199407001-00010) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

9.Walker ML Rothstein JM Finucane SD & Lamb RL. Relationships between lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance. Physical Therapy 198767512–516. ( 10.1093/ptj/67.4.512) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

10.Beattie PF Meyers SP Stratford P Millard RW & Hollenberg GM. Associations between patient report of symptoms and anatomic impairment visible on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging. Spine 200025819–828. ( 10.1097/00007632-200004010-00010) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

11.Mitchell T O’Sullivan PB Burnett AF Straker L & Smith A. Regional differences in lumbar spinal posture and the influence of low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 20089152. ( 10.1186/1471-2474-9-152) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

12.Quack C Schenk P Laeubli T Spillmann S Hodler J Michel BA & Klipstein A. Do MRI findings correlate with mobility tests? An explorative analysis of the test validity with regard to structure. European Spine Journal 200716803–812. ( 10.1007/s00586-006-0264-z) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

13.In TS Jung JH Jung KS & Cho HY. Spinal and pelvic alignment of sitting posture associated with smartphone use in adolescents with low back pain. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 202118. ( 10.3390/ijerph18168369) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

14.Jorgensen MG Rathleff MS Laessoe U Caserotti P Nielsen OB & Aagaard P. Time-of-day influences postural balance in older adults. Gait and Posture 201235653–657. ( 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.12.018) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

15.Kinel E D’Amico M & Roncoletta P. 3D quantitative evaluation of posture and spine proprioceptive perception through instinctive self-correction maneuver in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 20219663394. ( 10.3389/fbioe.2021.663394) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

16.Dickerson LC & Queen RM. Foot posture and plantar loading with ankle bracing. Journal of Athletic Training 202156461–472. ( 10.4085/1062-6050-164-20) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

17.Korpinen L Pääkkönen R & Gobba F. White-collar workers’ self-reported physical symptoms associated with using computers. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics 201218137–147. ( 10.1080/10803548.2012.11076921) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

18.Analan PD & Ozdemir H. The effect of patellar height by using Insall Salvati index on pain, function, muscle strength and postural stability in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis. Current Medical Imaging 202117532–538. ( 10.2174/1573405616999200817172649) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

19.Ichihara H Onoguchi M Hiyoshi K Saitou T & Abe T. Usefulness of imaging posture using anterior view of the half supine position for sentinel lymphscintigraphy in patients with breast cancer. Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi 201268461–467. ( 10.6009/jjrt.2012_jsrt_68.4.461) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

20.Huynh PP, Ishii M, Juarez M, Liao D, Darrach HM, Fung N, Nellis JC, Byrne PJ, Boahene KDO, Papel ID, et al. Normal gaze patterns of the face in lateral view. Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine 20202280–85. ( 10.1089/fpsam.2019.29019.huy) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

21.Lazennec JY Brusson A & Rousseau MA. Lumbar-pelvic-femoral balance on sitting and standing lateral radiographs. Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Surgery and Research 201399(1) S87–S103. ( 10.1016/j.otsr.2012.12.003) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

22.Ferreira EA Duarte M Maldonado EP Bersanetti AA & Marques AP. Quantitative assessment of postural alignment in young adults based on photographs of anterior, posterior, and lateral views. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 201134371–380. ( 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.05.018) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

23.Matamalas A D’Agata E Sanchez-Raya J & Bago J. Trunk appearance perception scale for physicians (TAPS-Phy) – a valid and reliable tool to rate trunk deformity in idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders 20161124. ( 10.1186/s13013-016-0085-8) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

24.Lins C Fudickar S & Hein A. OWAS inter-rater reliability. Applied Ergonomics 202193103357. ( 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103357) [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

25.Takatalo J Ylinen J Pienimäki T & Häkkinen A. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of thoracic spine mobility and posture assessments in subjects with thoracic spine pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 202021529. ( 10.1186/s12891-020-03551-4) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

26.Hasegawa T Katsuhira J Oka H Fujii T & Matsudaira K. Association of low back load with low back pain during static standing. PLoS One 201813e0208877. ( 10.1371/journal.pone.0208877) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]