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Sit Straight & Stand Tall - May is National Correct Posture Month

Your posture is the foundation for every movement your body makes and it is essential for good health. Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. People with good posture enjoy pain-free movement and flexibility, better balance, coordination and peak athletic performance. Correct posture month is celebrated every May and understanding the importance and necessity of good posture is key for maintaining overall physical wellness.

What Is Good Posture?

Correct posture helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used properly, decreasing abnormal wearing of joint surfaces. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles are critically important in maintaining good posture. When functioning properly, these postural muscles prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us forward. They also help us to maintain good posture and balance during movement.

Easy Tips for Better Posture

Stand up straight -Your ears should be centered over your shoulders, your shoulders should be back, your knees straight, your stomach tucked in, and your hips in line with the rest of you.

Don’t slump - Sit all the way back in your chair and use a rolled-up towel or cushion to support your lower back. Make sure your knees are at a 90-degree angle and your feet are flat on the floor.

Beware of technology - Yes, we know your smartphone is like an extension of you, but don’t let that be your downfall. When you tilt your head down to read your email or your favorite chiropractic blog, it puts a lot of stress and strain on your spine. Lift the phone up to meet your eyes.

Drive tall - We understand you might look cool with your car seat reclined, but it’s not good for your posture. Make sure your seat is as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible, with your knees only slightly bent and at hip level or just above.

Sleep with a correct pillow- Your head and neck should be aligned with the rest of your spine while you are sleeping. This is best achieved by sleeping with only one pillow that keeps your cervical spine in neutral posture.



Ladies, check your purses-If you're carrying around a bulky purse all day it will definitely affect your posture. Especially if you wear it on the same shoulder every time. Across the shoulder straps are best, but if you prefer hand purses or one shoulder purses be sure to alternate hands/shoulders to prevent the body from side leaning.

Gentlemen, check your wallets-Do you keep your wallet in your back pocket? If so, you are likely sitting down on it at some point throughout the day which negatively affects your posture. If your wallet is full to the brim it can also lead to lower back pain. Empty your wallet as much as possible and never sit on it!

Consequences of Poor Posture

Your posture has a lot to do with how your body responds to the stresses placed on it including gravity, carrying weight and sitting in weird positions. Any degree that your cervical spine is out of neutral, extra force is placed on your body. If you have poor posture, then it can have a big impact on your health. Obviously, back problems are what most people associate with poor posture, but those issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Poor posture can also have an impact on other parts of your body, causing issues that you wont even think about. Below is a short list of effects that doesn’t even capture all of the consequences:

Aging

Anxiety

Appearance

Arthritis

Attitude

Balance

Blood pressure

Breathing

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Confidence

Energy level

Risk of fall

Flexibility

Headaches

Joint and neck pain

Muscle aches and pains

Overuse injuries

Sciatica

Scoliosis

Shoulder pain

Sleep

Sports

Stress


How Can My Chiropractor Help? 

With awareness and treatment, poor posture can be rehabilitated and prevented. Long-standing postural problems typically take longer to correct than short-lived ones, as often the joints adapt to your poor posture. Conscious awareness and practice at home and in the workplace can help you move toward a better body position. Chiropractors can assist you by providing corrective exercises that will strengthen your core postural muscles and improve flexibility and strength. Regular exercises that teach posture and body awareness, like yoga, are also great to counteract the tendency of developing poor posture.

Our posture is an important factor in our everyday lives. Bad habits of poor posture carried out over a few years can directly contribute to chronic health problems. Good posture can reduce pain and the risk of injury we face when we aren’t aware of how our bodies are positioned. Being aware is the first step to correcting and/or maintaining good posture, and that’s something everyone can benefit from. Make an appointment with us today by calling 563-359-5600 to discuss treatment options for poor posture.

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