Poor posture can easily become second nature while irritating your back and neck and damaging spinal structures. Poor posture can be caused by habits from everyday activities including sitting in office chairs, staring at the computer, driving, prolonged standing, or even sleeping. Fortunately, the main factors affecting posture are easily controllable and simple to change. The following tips for improving your posture can help you in several ways.
Why Is Good Posture Important?
Proper posture is essential to good musculoskeletal health and plays a key role in preventing additional back and neck pain and even injuries to spinal structures. Having proper posture benefits our bodies when we stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least stress on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement.
Tips for Improving Your Posture
- Recognize the warning signs of back pain caused by poor posture.
If you notice your back pain is worse at certain times of the day or week, it may be a result of poor posture. This may include back problems after a long day of sitting in the office in front of the computer but feeling better during the weekends. Posture may also be to blame if your pain starts in the neck and move downwards into the upper and lower back. Once you begin noticing the warning signs of back pain caused by poor posture, it’s essential to correct your body alignment to decrease the pain.
- Keep body aligned while sitting and standing.
Always be aware of your body alignment while sitting and standing. When standing, distribute body weight evenly to the front, back, and sides of feet. When sitting, keep your body straight and aligned, including your ears, shoulders, and hips. Consider alternating between moving to the edge of the seat with a straight back and sitting back using the support of the chair to ease the stress of your back muscles.
- Stay active.
Sitting for long periods of time is terrible for your body. One great way to improve your posture and help you stay healthy includes exercising and stretching. Begin standing up against a wall with your legs spread apart, and hold your arms up in a 90-degree angle. Slowly raise your arms up and down for at least 15 times. In addition, lift and lower your shoulders up and down to loosen you up. If you can, incorporate mini walks into your daily schedule. This will not only improve your posture, but it will also give you energy.
Consequences of Poor Posture
Sore muscles are a common effect of poor posture. As you hunch or slouch, the muscles have to work harder to keep the spine stabilized and secured. One of the most serious issues that occur with bad posture is forming a spinal curvature. When poor posture is practiced, the spine can undergo tension, gradually changing the position of the spine.
At Ogden Chiropractic, you will find a group of committed professionals with the goal of helping you return to a natural state of good health. You will quickly become a welcomed member of our family of satisfied patients. We treat a wide variety of conditions using the best combination of traditional chiropractic techniques and the latest in innovative care.
For more information on tips for improving your posture, contact Ogden Chiropractic today at 801-337-1657!
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