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Posture & Body Mechanics
Body mechanics is your body posture or position and it's relationship to your activity or environment. The general rule to always remember is to keep your spine in it's optimal alignment at all times. Remember the spine from the front should be straight up and down, while form the side, there should be a curve to the front in both the neck and the lower back.
Sleeping
Good sleeping positions make a big difference in how you feel in the morning.
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees and a pillow or rolled up towel for your neck is best. If you're a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees to avoid rotation or your hips and use a pillow large enough to support your head and keep it in alignment with the rest of your body and shoulders. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this does not allow for support of your lower back and you must rotate your head in order to breathe.
Standing
Standing in one spot for prolonged periods will result in fatigue of large muscle groups that support your posture. Alternating a shift in your weight by moving one foot forward and then the other will be helpful. If possible, a small foot rest that one foot can be placed on is very helpful, like the railing under most all bars.
Sitting
Sitting is major problem for most back and neck pain sufferers. One reason is that we do way too much of it in our Americanized lifestyles. ie: working, driving, watching TV, etc. It is particularly bad if you slouch or don't use good posture. Try and keep a good support for your lower back. Sitting with your knees higher than your hips helps significantly takes the strain off your lower back. Use a stool or a stack of books under your feet if your chair is too high. Keep your computer directly in front of you, so you don't have to continuously rotate your head and use arm rests at the proper height to reduce stress on your shoulders and neck.
Lifting
The first rule in lifting is don't do it if you can't do it comfortably or get some help. Lifting material with your heels off the floor can cause you to lose your balance. Remember to keep good posture by keeping your spine straight from the front and maintaining the curve in your lower back and neck. Bending over sill cause these curves to reverse. That's a No-No!
  A diagonal stance provides stability and will protect your back when lifting from the floor. Remember to use your legs.
Keeping objects close to your body is mandatory for safe lifting.
Always pivot by moving your shoulders, hips and feet in the same direction that you're moving the load.
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