Bio-mechanics

When our body is in the standing position it is in aProblem 1.
state of unsteady equilibrium because the base isIt's the fashion not to tie trainers and shoes up but
small and the centre of gravity is a long way abovethis prevents the shoe from supporting the inside of
it. That is why it has to be balanced by keeping thethe foot and allows the foot to roll or 'pronate' too
centre of gravity over the base, otherwise the bodymuch in standing and walking.
would fall over.This means the knee and the hip rolls inwards too
Equilibrium: The steadiness of the body depends onmuch which makes the inside calf and inside thigh
the size of its base and the distance of the centre ofmuscle shorter. The iliotibial band can then rub against
gravity from that base. An object having a largethe outside knee giving pain.
base and a low centre of gravity is not easily upset.Further up, the bottom muscles become too long and
The first thing necessary in order to accomplish goodstop working as they should do which puts added
posture is to straighten the neck, keep the chinstress on the pelvis and low back joints. Before you
down and back. The second important thing isknow it you have back pain, knee pain and ankle pain!
correct deep breathing.And all because of fashion!
The line of gravity in the fundamental standingProblem 2.
position falls in front of the ears, and in front of theWhether you drive 5 miles or 500 miles a day your
cervical and dorsal vertebrae, through the lumbarcar seat is really important. In many cars the base of
vertebrae, through the hip joint, and slightly in frontthe seat slopes backwards. In fact some of the
of the ankle joint. But this probably varies inmore expensive cars are the worst because they
individuals according to their build and height.want you to feel 'snug' and safe in the seat.
"Biomechanics is that branch of science concernedHowever, this position forces your pelvis to sit too
with the understanding of the interrelationships offar backwards.
structure and function of living beings with respect toOnce this happens your low back and upper back
the kinematics and kinetics of motion"flex forward too much but then your neck muscles
Poor Posture associated by the following:have to work really hard to stop your head from
Genetic disorders, Familial association, Irregular/noflexing too much and allow you to see where you
exercise, Bad habits when sitting or standing, Carryingare going. This position then forces your shoulder
excess loads, (School/shopping) Underweightblades to stretch too far forwards and a large stress
Overweight (Inadequate diet)is placed on both the front and the back of the
Mental Attitude towards oneself.shoulder.
Biomechanics is our way of describing how each bitThe result is neck pain and /or upper or low back
of your body moves in relation to another bit.pain. This position can exacerbate sciatica as it is a big
Our bodies are fantastic at compensating whenstretch for the nerves.
things are not quite perfect but unfortunately whenThe solution is to raise the back of the seat so it
we run out of compensations we usually end up withbecomes more horizontal. Some cars allow you to
pain and stiffness.alter this angle but if yours does not then sit on a
Let's have a look at some of the more commonsmall cushion or buy a special wedge shape cushion
biomechanical problems:that fits into the seat.