The Power of Good Posture
With today’s sedentary lifestyle and its effect on our health, we need to look once more to the importance and positive benefits of good posture.
Posture has been found to have an effect on both the body’s physical function as well as our overall health. The effects of poor posture are well documented, ranging from physical symptoms, such as muscle pain, restricted breathing and digestion, through to the effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
When posture becomes stuck in a position the body can’t self correct, there is the potential for the various automatic body processes to be impacted. A slouching posture can put pressure on the internal organs. A compressed rib cage can restrict breathing, oxygen flow and blood circulation, which in turn can affect your metabolism too.
Not only does having your body in a more upright position allow you to breathe more fully and easily, but as you get more oxygen into the blood, it helps you to burn calories more efficiently, as well as to think more clearly. All this has a positive flow on effect for mood, concentration and energy levels in general.
In my practice, I see patients every day, who can’t believe the effects good posture has on their health. They not only look better, but feel freer and more able to cope with the stresses of everyday life – and their outlook is generally more positive.
Research shows that when your body is in a slumped over posture with the head in a forward position, this puts greater pressure on the muscles of the neck and back to hold it up. If your muscles are tensed all the time, this can negatively impact on your overall range of motion, and often pains and aches will eventuate, physical activity becomes more difficult and you become susceptible to injuries.
So what can we do to improve posture?
Chiropractic care
If you do experience pain as a result of poor posture, help is available. ABC chiropractic adjustments can help to release bodily injuries, effectively unwinding past trauma, enabling the body to move free from pain, and re-establishing a natural upright posture.
Once posture has been corrected, it’s important to maintain an upright posture for optimal health. Here’s a few tips to maintain a good posture:
Tip 1 – Sitting
If your office chair seat is adjustable, tilt your seat so it’s lower at the front and higher at the back. If not, place a foam wedge or folded towel at the back of your seat. This lifts your bottom above knee height and positions the spine in a relaxed normal S-curve resulting in a good upright posture.
Tip 2 – Standing and walking
It’s also important to have good posture while standing or walking. We recommend a shoe with a slight heel to ensure the body is kept in an upright alignment.
Tip 3 – Sleeping
Even sleeping with a good posture has health benefits for the body. A firm mattress and the right pillow can help encourage your spine to go back into a neutral position – allowing your spine to rest from the day’s exertions.
Tip 4 – Get moving
To help support your good posture, be sure to also build in regular exercise during the week (e.g. walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates etc.), This will help to stretch and strengthen your muscles.
Free workshops
‘Sitting, standing, sleeping’ workshops are run regularly at all three locations. You are most welcome to bring along family and/or friends. Enquiries and bookings can be made via reception.
There is no need to put up with pain any longer
Schedule your first appointment with our expert ABC™ Chiropractors and get back to doing what you love.
Schedule your first appointment with our expert ABC™ Chiropractors and get back to doing what you love