AVOID REPEATED FLEXION/EXTENSION

 AVOID REPEATED FLEXION/EXTENSION                                          

Repeatedly bending forward and subsequently straightening your spine is known as flexion and extension. Cyclic full spine flexion and extension may cause stress fractures in the spine and displaced vertebra, also known as a spondylo. The discs between your vertebrae are vulnerable to this repetition as well and can become injured. A patient of mine worked in a deli at a grocery store. Her job required repeatedly bending down to remove products from the refrigerated display, which caused her spinal discomfort. We discussed ways to alter her work environment so she did not exacerbate her condition and she improved. Had she known what to avoid, she never would have had the issue in the first place. One alternative to repeatedly bending down and coming back up is stepping forward to reach for the item, instead of bending down if possible.