Maintaining correct posture allows your body to properly function, while also preventing various conditions that attribute to long-term back pain.
Unfortunately, most of us slouch forward on a daily basis due to the confinements of our environment or the demands of our jobs.
The negative consequences of poor posture go far beyond vanity concerns like looking less confident. It is detrimental to your overall health because this condition has the ability to:
- block circulation
- cause vertebrae deterioration
- limit your mobility
- cause severe back pain.
What Causes Poor Posture?
Excessive weight, genetics, stress, and even inadequate footwear can all cause poor posture.
Getting into a car accident and injuring your shoulders, neck, and/or upper back area is also a common cause of long-term poor posture.
Other common causes include:
- poor lumbar support
- unsupportive mattresses
- chair settings are either too high or low
- weak back
- weak shoulders
- weak stomach muscles.
Consequences of Poor Posture
Aches and Sores
When your upper body and neck hunch forward for long periods of time, you end up placing too much stress on other areas of your body, such as your shoulders and lower back area.
When this type of condition is allowed to continue, you can begin to develop painful sores and aches throughout these areas of your body.
Herniated Discs
If you suffer from poor posture, you are 25% more likely to experience a herniated disc in your future.
This extremely painful ailment is often the result of not stretching enough and maintaining poor posture while standing, lifting, and sitting.
How To Prevent Poor Posture
Correcting your current posture doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful when approached with the right attitude and mindset.
Finding easy ways to incorporate basic techniques into your every day routine will allow you to strengthen your upper back and chest muscles, while also correcting the misalignments that have developed over time.
When Sitting Down
Keep your head upright and straight, opposed to hunched forward, hanging down or tilted.
Make sure you sit with your knees slightly lower than where your hips naturally rest, and try to keep your back and shoulders as relaxed as possible. Keep both of your feet flat on the floor and try not to cross your legs or tuck your feet under your chair.
When Standing Up
Be sure to keep your back and both shoulders aligned with each other, while you also keep your knees slightly bent to ease the amount of tension your legs and back take on.
When Walking
Keep your chin parallel to the ground and try to walk by leading with the heel of each foot. Do not look down at your feet, as this only adds stress to your neck and upper back area.
When Running
Try to keep your head up and as straight as possible. Hit the ground with the middle of your foot to maximize the distribution of each step’s impact.
Try to keep your eyes focused on what’s directly in front of you in order to prevent your neck from bouncing around or straining.
Get Professional Chiropractic Help Today
The fastest approach to correcting poor posture is by meeting with a licensed Chiropractor.
After your initial examination, your doctor can develop a specific treatment that aligns with your body’s unique characteristics and the type of posture you possess.
You can schedule an appointment before or after the holidays by calling our office at 404-592-0319.
If you happen to be out shopping for any last minute gifts around College Park, feel free to walk-in and schedule an examination at 1624 Virginia Avenue.