The idea that “good” posture prevents back pain is well known—but a new review of the research calls for a second look as Australian experts say that habits and mental processes such as anxiety are more likely to have an impact than lousy posture.
Prof. of musculoskeletal physiotherapy Peter O’Sullivan, prof. of physiotherapy, Leon Straker, and Nic Saraceni from Curtin University have found that anxiety about maintaining good posture can create stress and detract from other factors known to be important for spine health.
“Back pain is more likely to persist if a person becomes overly worried and fearful about their back pain, or overprotects their back and avoids movement, physical activity, work and social engagement,” the authors said in an article published in The Conversation….