http://www.v-com.com/erichubscherpfisite_011.htm Serious Personal Fitness Training for Those Who are ONLY Serious. East Coast: Serving Vermont, Williston, Burlington, Essex Junction, Stowe. West Coast: Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Ventura County. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:43:21 GMT Web Easy by Avanquest Publishing USA, Inc. http://www.v-com.com/erichubscherpfisite_011.htm http://www.v-com.com/pfi logo purple.jpg Back Care and Commuting According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 10 million people now drive an hour or longer to work every day. With the average daily commute now at 25 minutes and cities such as Los Angeles reporting traffic congestion pushing some commutes to 90 minutes or more, PROPER POSTURE in the car while driving - and sitting in traffic - is critical to preventing low back pain. The potential for low back pain occurs in any improper seated position. Whether it is the car, on an airplane, or even in bed, proper spine support is critical. For example, if you frequently take long trips in a car, you are more likely to be uncomfortable or experience pain without proper back support. Car seats often cause the spine to bend incorrectly (figure 1). With your knees typically higher than your hips, the average car seat often strains your hips and lower back. Through multi position seats are common in many cars today; they still do not take into account INDIVIDUAL torso heights. The best option is to seek out a quality back support and seat cushion to ensure that the spine remains in the correct position (figure 2). People with back pain can seek medical treatment and complete extensive rehabilitation to treat low back pain. However the reality is that lifestyle changes also can help to DECREASE the potential for recurrence of back pain if proper support is maintained throughout daily activities. Asking you doctor or your fitness advisor when a pain occurs is a good barometer for figuring out whether lifestyle changes, proper back support, tight muscles, and even core strength can help to alleviate low back pain. (Source: In Part From Biomechanics Magazine March 2007) http://www.v-com.com/erichubscherpfisite_011.htm Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:43:21 GMT Eric Hubscher