Healthy Postures for a Pain-Free Life

Why Is Posture Important?

Our spine is made up of bones and cartilage, they are stacked one on top of each other. Though bones are hard and strong the cartilage is soft and compressible. Because of this if we don’t keep our spines in the proper position the cartilage gets damaged and we develop neck pain, back pain and even shooting nerve type pain going down our arms and legs.

So we must maintain a straight spine posture, keeping our ears, shoulders over our hips at all time either while sitting or standing.

1. Sitting Posture
  • Sit in a chair that supports your back
  • Keep ears, shoulders, and hips in one line-screens , TV at eye level
  • Feet flat on the ground, knees at 90°
  • Use back support if needed
  • Avoid slouching or leaning forward
  • Take breaks every 10–15 minutes

Reading or screen time tips:

  • Raise books to eye level
  • Monitors should be at eye height
  • Avoid reading or watching in bed
2. Lifting Objects
  • Bend from the knees and hips, not your back
  • Keep the spine straight
  • Hold the object close to your body
  • Use both hands
  • Avoid lifting more than 5–10 kg alone
  • Never twist or lift with one hand
  • Ask for help with heavy or awkward objects
3. Standing Posture
  • Keep ears, shoulders, hips in one line
  • Distribute weight evenly on both feet
  • Avoid slouching or locking knees
  • If looking up/down, take breaks every 10–15 mins
  • Shift positions often and avoid standing still for too long
4. Sleeping

Top picture shows how to sleep to the side, position like this and use two pillows. Below picture shoes how to sleep upright. here again use two pillows as shown Use a firm mattress and a pillow which is not too hard Don’t sleep face down or curled up sleep as shown in above pictures.

5. Travel Posture
  • Sit upright with back support in vehicles
  • For long drives:
    • Get out every 1 hour and stretch
  • In buses/trains:
    • If possible, stand and stretch when safe
    • Avoid leaning forward or sleeping in awkward positions
6. Housework Tips
  • Use a tall stool when doing tasks at counter level
  • Keep the back straight while working
  • Avoid bending down for long periods
  • Take breaks every 15 minutes during:
    • Mopping
    • Sweeping
    • Cooking
    • Washing clothes