Posture Perfect

[rubyred777]

Hi everyone

Good wishes go out to our Fred today.

wondering if any of you deal with posture problems. Obviously your posture can have a big bearing on how well your lungs expand. Anyone have any pointers or problems on the subject? Or is everyone

out there, posture perfect?

Have a great day

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[Hidden]

I have curvature of the spine and have lost several inches in height over the last decade. My GP told me it was known as Dowagers Hump. My breathing is affected when I have a bout of severe back pain which takes several weeks to get back to normal. A hospital nurse specialising in lung problems explained there was a connection with breathing problems and back pain with COPD sufferers. I have to think about pain relief as well as using my inhalers . luckily I am doing well at the moment and have not had a bad attack since last summer. I feel for any one who suffers with back problems. Joyce

[rubyred777 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Joyce

Do you hace osteoporosis? My mom can't stand up straight. I worry about getting that way. Hoping exercise will help. Do you exercise your back?

😊😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No don't do sudden movements, they can cause back muscle spasms. Had x rays when I first hurt my back after a nasty fall years ago. Never been tested for osteoporosis. Think our posture does decline with age as hips knees start to deteriorate. Can't change anything so just get on with it. Hope you mothers problems don't go any worse.

[bulpit]

Good morning Miss Ruby, When my husband used to see the Physiotherapist she always said, No creases in your shirt,ie, Shoulders back etc, unfortunately he could never maintain the posture for long, How's your weather Ruby,should soon be improving, Our clocks go forward an hour on Sunday, Lovely lighter evenings, Do hope your heartburn is under control, Best wishes, Bulpit

[rubyred777 in reply to bulpit]

Good day Bulpit. Hows your posture? I gotta say I think we're finally done with the snow. Most of it is gone. Plus we're supposed to be getting rain.

that will take care of the rest.

Thank God! Enough is enough

Miss Ruby

😊 😊

[Jolyn]

Yes, all good wishes to dear Fred this morning. I'm missing his jokes already.

My posture seems ok at the moment, what about you Ruby?

Have a lovely day yourself. xxx

[rubyred777 in reply to Jolyn]

Good day Lyn

You gotta love Fred. Don't think theres a mean bone in his body.

I'm good Lyn. Just getting concerned with my posture. My mom is bad and can't even stand up straight. Also her knees are bad. Hoping to work on these things so I don't end up the same way. Keep that body flexible right Lyn?

😀😀

[pollyjj]

Hi I also have a curvature of the spine, had it diagnosed when I was 15 spent the last of my education in hospital lying on a plaster cast for 3 months, don't think it made any difference.

I am now very round shouldered and think it affects my breathing quite considerably, cannot hold myself up straight for long.

polly xx

[rubyred777 in reply to pollyjj]

Hi Polly

I am getting round shouldered.I can definitely see where it would effect your breathing. The lungs can't expand all the way. I also notice when I sit up straight its very uncomfortable and actually hurts my chest muscles. Do you

do any exercises for it?

😊😊

[pollyjj]

Hi rubyred I have tried exercise before but it makes my back ache quite badly so have not done any for years.

I supposed I am lucky I do not have the hump, I was told it was because I had been in the plaster but don't really know.

polly xx

[Shann07]

Hi im new to this forum I have pul lung fibrosis as a cosequence of lupus. I also suffer severe back pain & find it hard just to lie down. Ive recently had an xray of spine which showed ankolising spondylitis starting - so yes this totally affects my breathing because its so painful with my back & chest wall i cant get deep breaths at times very scary! Just had physio today to help with excercises! Im 36 yr old & never imagined i would have beeathing problems so young 😞

[peege]

Hi Ruby, I took my son to learn The Alexander Technique when he was small. It re-educates your body in losing the bad postural habits we pick up in life.

It really helped open his chest. Musicians use it a lot - in fact our Mic discovered it recently and is finding it beneficial.

I learned to teach it years ago and still practice in small ways every day, especially driving

Pilates might be helpful too. When I get back to the UK I'll be starting a Pilates combined with yoga class. Penelope

[helingmic]

Ruby,

I found that sitting in front of the computer condones slouching!

I found that playing the flute, exercise which I’ve just taken up in January, helps me

*in standing up when I learn

*I must lift my chin up to produce an acceptable sound or risk terrible shoulder and neck pain

* the playing demands breathing control. This is an extraordinary exercise for the lungs

* the problem: Well, it’s very tiring. So I have to do sessions fo 10 to 20 minutes. To relax from the flute stress, I lie down in a “crucifix” posture, lying on the bed with arms extended, knees up and feet flat, head slightly raised on a traveller’s cushion. This is an excellent posture for resting, whether you play the flute or not!

You might not play the flute. Then I would go and explore Qi gung, the Chinese medical Exercises. They emphasise that movement should be accompanied with breathing. One of the beautiful sets of exercises is called “the eight pieces of brocade” why? Because brocade is silk, which is strong and flexible at the same time. Look the name on Google for an explanation.

Here’s the video on YouTube:

youtube.com/watch?v=DhsU1qL...(Not working as expected?)

I have done this for many months in the morning. I found it gives a boost of energy and promotes a good posture. Have a go (gently does it, build it up slowly!) Mic

[rubyred777 in reply to helingmic]

Hi Mic

You are an amazing person!

Your always doing something to better yourself. Always trying something new. What a zest for living you have! What is your outlook on life that keeps you so

Inspired? Can you run your health condition by me again?

I'm sure I've heard it before, but can't recall.

thanks

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[helingmic in reply to rubyred777]

Ruby, I was diagnosed first with asthma; then when I continued coughing and having recurring infections, the Brompton diagnosed bronchiectasis. They used to tell you that this is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. Yes, I got very ill, especially in 2010, nearly died.

The doctor and his microbiologist found that I had TB as well as a pseudomonas infection. So I got drugs for TB to be taken for 2 and half years.

BUT my little secret is a book by Cesar Millan. His summary was for dogs! I took it on myself! Cesar Millan says:

*You are the leader of your pack (being your body, muscles, functions etc)

*Not too much emotion

*Exercise daily

These are the main points.

I decided to go to the gym, and still go today. This is my real secret which I like to share with everyone, because I’ve noticed that exercise IS really vital. That is the secret that inspires me. Of course, I am a Christian and believe that God can help me, as he healed me of epilepsy (with a doctor’s approval to stop the medicine I took). I believe that it’s no chance that I found this book by Cesar Millan. The fact that I got better IS my inspiration. I shall do whatever is in my power to improve my condition.

Now, I‘ve read that the new doctor’s position on my condition is that it’s no longer irreversible, but can be stopped in its tracks. This is inspiring isn’t it? We can all, in our own way, take charge of ourselves. I don’t say it’s easy to pick up the thread, but it’s possible. Go thou and do likewise! Cheers, Mic

[TONYFARR in reply to helingmic]

Hi Mic,

I don't play any musical instruments now, I use to in my younger days, however Thank You for the advise to the Alexander technique, I feel it was a great help, along with the Buteyko method and Qigong/ Tai Chi, that not only keeps me busy but also gives me a purpose in life by doing things

Ciao, Tony

[helingmic in reply to TONYFARR]

Tony, I stand in awe and amazement. I am so glad you have adopted this secret of life - I mean the different activities and exercises. they are indeed vital for your purpose in life and your improved health. A fantastic WELL DONE! Cheers, Mic

[bwp91]

You've had lots of good advice which I agree with i.e. It's vital to exercise - particularly breathing exercises, singing helps too and learn the Alexander technique if you can afford lessons or get enough out of a book. But it does really sound as if youve got osteoporosis and should ask for a bone scan so that, if it's confirmed, you can get treatment and at least prevent further damage. I've got the hump too - sometimes in more ways than one! I've lost a good four inches and, yes, it's made my breathing worse ( I've had bronchiectasis most of my life ) but all things I've suggested help. The National Osteoporosis Scoiety has a helpline and also good leaflets e.g. on exercises which I dovetail with those I get at our Breathe Easy group's class. So contact them too. Best of luck!