GOOD POSTURE IS BAD FOR YOUR BACK

GOOD POSTURE IS BAD FOR YOUR BACK

PALO ALTO, Calif. (Wireless Flash) -- Think standing up straight will help your aching back? Think again. According to movement expert Jean Couch, so-called "good posture" is the reason why most Americans suffer back pain. She claims the charm school ideal of standing straight up with your shoulders back and pelvis tucked under actually puts your body out of balance, causing tremendous pressure on the lower back. Couch says the proper way to stand involves aligning your legs with your spine and letting your rear end stick out -- something she calls "vertical posture." Although most people nowadays stand improperly, Couch says there are a few celebrities who show perfect vertical posture, such as Michael Jordan and runner Carl Lewis.