Revised Guidelines for Low Back Pain and Posture Care from American College of Physicians are Front and Center during May's Posture Awareness Month
Month-long campaign promotes postural self-care with ACE framework: awareness, control and exercise.
ATLANTA, May 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This May, doctors, trainers and physical therapists from across the country are working together to help people prevent low back pain through better posture and improved balance. Internationally respected posture expert Dr. Steven Weiniger, along with over 50 health organizations, are participating in Posture Month 2017 (http://posturemonth.org/). As part of this public health initiative, hundreds of health and fitness professionals globally are offering free posture assessments throughout the month.
Low Back Pain: A Common Challenge
The World Health Organization reports that "common" low back pain will affect 60 to 70 percent of people living in developed countries at some point in their lives. In the U.S., nearly 8 million adults are disabled because of back pain, while one in four adults experienced some degree of back pain in the last three months. As the nation's population ages, those figures will rise.
The good news is that poor posture and balance can be addressed with just a little time and effort. PostureMonth.org provides the tools to get started today.
New Low Back Pain Guidelines
In a major revision of its 2007 guidelines for treating low back pain, the American College of Physicians are increasing the focus on posture. Drugs like Tylenol, Advil and other NSAIDs) and often abused opioids are discouraged. Preferred non-drug treatments include spinal manipulation, massage and heat, as well as specialized exercises to retrain "motor control" like yoga, tai chi and other postural exercises. In fact, a survey of clinicians published in the European Spine Journal showed consensus that "biomechanical risk factors" like posture are the most important short- and long-term triggers for low back pain.
The ACE Your Posture Campaign
PostureMonth.org empowers people to take charge of their own posture and spinal health through its ACE Your Posture campaign. The site offers resources for learning why posture matters and how to perform a self-assessment ("Awareness"); StrongPosture® exercises that conform to ACP's low back pain treatment recommendations by improving balance and strengthening one's core muscles ("Control"); and tips for creating back-friendly home and work spaces ("Environment").
About Posture Awareness Month
PostureMonth.org promotes posture awareness and its impact on health. Spearheaded by BodyZone.com founder and posture expert Dr. Steven Weiniger, the global public health effort bands together health professionals to encourage people to take action. Author of the book "Stand Taller, Live Longer: An Anti-Aging Strategy," Dr. Weiniger is a globally recognized expert in posture and is dedicated to educating health and fitness professionals as well as the general public on the importance of maintaining good posture. For more information, visit PostureMonth.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Renee North
3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 119-352
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 770-922-0700
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://posturemonth.org
SOURCE BodyZone.com
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