“Good posture” is something we all know is important, but we also know it’s hard to maintain when everyday life happens. Fatigued muscles from yard work and household chores, hours spent sitting behind a desk and even the shoes we wear can affect our posture. The good news is you don’t need any gimmicky devices to achieve better posture – you only need normal joint motion, strength, flexibility and balance. All of these things are achievable with general awareness and a little help from our chiropractors.
Keep reading to learn about what exactly “good posture” is, why it’s important, how you can start improving your posture now and how Forgey Chiropractic can help.
What exactly is “good posture?”
Posture is an essential part of your overall well-being and healthy. Put most simply, it’s the way your body is positioned and aligned. Static posture is how the body is aligned when we sit, lay or stand. Dynamic posture is how the body is positioned and aligned when walking, running, bending, lifting or moving.
Why is posture important?
Poor posture has a significant negative impact on both our physical and mental health. From causing back and neck pain to poor circulation, migraines, headaches, digestion problems, respiratory issues and arthritis, poor posture can impact our quality of life.
Conversely, practicing good posture can result in higher energy levels, reduced anxiety and stress, better coordination and balance and a reduced risk of neck and back pain.
What components are critical for good posture?
The position of your spine is critical to good posture and your body’s capacity to function optimally.
With time, poor posture and inactivity can lead to tension and muscle fatigue that exacerbate posture issues, and the resulting imbalances can have a significant effect on your central nervous system. By adjusting your spine and manipulating the soft tissue and muscles in your upper back and neck, our chiropractors can help guide you toward proper posture.
Our adjustments can reduce misalignments and joint restrictions in the spine and other joints to reduce inflammation, improve functioning and correct postural imbalance. This leaves your body better able to support good posture.
How can I improve my posture today?
Being aware of your posture is the first step toward improving it. Are your back and shoulders hunched? Are you suffering from “text neck?” Set a timer on your phone to remind you to do periodic “posture checks” so you become aware of how you are sitting, standing and moving.
Consider getting a standing desk! These desks help you keep good posture while working and can improve your circulation.
Sleep well. Easier said than done, right? When sleeping, place your pillow under your head, not your shoulders, to improve posture.
Practice deep breathing. This practice can help calm your nerves while improving your posture because it requires you to sit or stand up straight. Incorporating regular deep breathing exercises into your day can help trigger your “posture check” and remind you to sit up straight.
Visit your chiropractor. Scheduling routine visits, even when you aren’t experiencing pain, can keep your posture on point. Contact us today to make an appointment!
