The Posture of Life
What does good posture have to do with healthy living? Well, if you’re paying attention to your body, you’ll see that posture is the key to helping the body function properly. Although some may relate poor posture with bad habits, it is really just a sign of poor awareness of self. Most people can’t see how their posture affects their health because they simply are not aware of their body.
Here’s a quick test:
- Stand straight against a wall, placing your heals against the wall.
- Your buttocks, back, shoulders, and head should all be touching the wall.
- Now, with one hand, put it between the arch in your back and the wall.
- Hold this pose for 60 seconds.
If this pose hurts after 60 seconds, you may have some issues with your posture. You will likely feel some stretch or pressure in your shoulder muscles, but you should not feel any pressure in your back or neck. If you do, then you probably need to see a chiropractor.
If you are need a chiropractor, click here to find a chiropractor in your area.
Why is Good Posture Important?
Good posture allows the muscles, ligaments, and joints in our body to remain in line with each other. It helps us avoid any strain that could affect the way we stand, walk, sit, and lay. Our body adjusts with every movement, and good posture can help the body move smoothly.
When good posture is practiced, it can help ensure that the bones, joints, and muscles are moving correctly. Through good posture, one may experience a decrease in the body’s natural wear and tear of the joints supporting tissues. Tissue degeneration in the joints and bones is the key cause of arthritis and joint pain.
Good posture can help with:
- Decrease Joint Pain, Back Pain, and Strain
- Minimize Stress
- Reduce Muscle Fatigue
- Increase Energy
How is Poor Posture Created?
Typically, poor posture is developed over time with a constant usage of bad habits. People who embrace their bad habits will typically lead a life that includes poor posture and poor health overall since they cannot break their bad habit cycle. A recent study that examined students in the Czech Republic revealed that approximately 38 percent of children have poor posture. There were similar results in an American publication that revealed that poor posture was a significant factor in lower back pain. Back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and even shoulder pain can all be attributed to poor posture since many of the bones and muscles involved in maintaining good posture are in these areas.
Poor posture may develop from:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Weak Muscles
- Abnormally Tight Muscles
- Decreased Flexibility
- Poor Work Environment
- Incorrect Working Posture
- Long Periods of Sitting and Standing
Chiropractic Care can help improve posture through a series of chiropractic adjustments and by recommending simple lifestyle changes, such as exercises intended to help strengthen core postural muscles. If you are need a chiropractor, click here to find a chiropractor in your area.
