Pain Relieving Postures
Relief of Pain Through Posture
Acute Neck or Neck & Arm Pain
The posture illustrated below shows the patient in a slightly forward or semi reclined position which reduces the strain on the neck by providing support and holding the neck in a neutral position. In general, tilting your head backwards or to the side will cause most pain. Occasionally nodding your head forwards may also cause pain in the neck.
If you have pain referring to the shoulder or arm, supporting the arm in the sling position helps to reduce the irritation to the nerve.
Movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Pain Relieving Posture for Low Back Pain with or without Leg Pain
1. Side Lying
Lying on the side which is the most comfortable with a pillow between your knees to stabilise the spine helps to reduce back pain. It is most common that pain relief is achieved when the side which is most painful or the side with leg pain is upper most.
2. Lying on your Back
Lying on your back with pillows under your knees helps to reduce the strain on your lower back.
3. Laying with your legs up on a chair
Laying on your back with your calves resting on a chair, provides support for the spine and helps to reduce muscle spasm.
Remember: movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and an application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.