Use Good Body Mechanics to Help Keep Your Spine Safe

Part 1 of 5

Steven R. Garfin, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA
Body mechanics refers to the way we move our body. Posture is an important component in body mechanics. Good posture generally means the spine is in a ‘neutral’ or ‘resting’ position. The four normal curves of the spine are natural. This position is not static (fixed) and is individual. A neutral spine is one in which the position is comfortably maintained by the discs, bones, and ligaments.

spine, lateral, labeled, color drawing

The four curves of the spine are Cervical Lordosis, Thoracic Kyphosis, Lumbar Lordosis and Sacral Kyphosis.

The purpose of this information is to help you minimize injury to your spine. To do this you need to be proactive and learn some basic 'preventive' body activities.

Last Updated: 07/17/2006
Continue Reading: Spinal Structure and Body Mechanics
What is this?
Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse
SpineUniverse is committed to ensuring that all information on its site is trustworthy and of the highest quality. To maintain the site's quality, SpineUniverse relies on its exceptional Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is a "Who's Who" of more than 60 leading spine specialists, including surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and more.

Peer Review by Leading Specialists

    Brian R. Subach, MD, FACS

    In this article, Dr. Garfin does an excellent job explaining the normal structure and function of the spine. The emphasis on body mechanics is also extremely important. As a spine surgeon, I firmly believe that a significant number of the patients I see use poor body mechanics when performing activities related to their daily personal lives and careers. This may contribute to both injury and spinal degeneration. I highly recommend this well-written article as necessary basic information for the physician and patient alike.
What is This?
Related Articles on SpineUniverse
To help you navigate through this wealth of information, the Editorial Board of SpineUniverse presents links to "Related Articles" at the end of each article . In addition, to help you find additional information you need, we encourage you to use the "Search" tool located at the top of each page.

Related Articles

Find A Professional in Your Area