Don’t Be a Slouch: May Is ‘Correct Your Posture Month’

By Sara Butler

It’s almost May and you know what that means -- National Correct Your Posture Month is right around the corner! Yes, that’s right, the month celebrated by chiropractors everywhere, it’s an entire month dedicated to the health, happiness, and plain upright-ness of your spine.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re having flashbacks to your grandmother telling you to sit up straight or your fifth-grade math teacher Mrs. Polchick berating you for slouching at the chalkboard as you attempt fractions you don’t really understand. OK, maybe that’s just me, but rest assured that it’s time to forget what you think you know about proper posture.

To help you celebrate National Correct Your Posture Month, here are a few easy tips almost anyone can do to make their posture healthier from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.

Why Posture Is So Important

If you have poor posture, then it can have a big impact on your health. Obviously, back problems are what most people associate with poor posture, but those issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Poor posture can also have an impact on other parts of your body, causing issues such as:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Arthritis
• Poor digestion
• Breathing problems
• Poor circulation

Now, don’t worry -- no one expects you to practice perfect posture all the time. What your chiropractor wants is for you to understand the importance of good posture and to recognize how you should be holding yourself so you can try your best to practice good posture each day.

Easy Tips for Better Posture

Take a little time each day in May to work on your posture. There are easy ways to accomplish this that don’t take a lot of time and will really make your chiropractor proud.

You should:

Stand up straight - Do you know a great way to prevent problematic posture? Straighten up! Stand up tall when you think about it. Do this by pretending that you’re standing against a wall to have your height measured, then tuck your chin and hold your head up high. Your ears should be centered over your shoulders, your shoulders should be back, your knees straight, your stomach tucked in, and your hips in line with the rest of you.

Don’t slump - At work, the afternoon slump can take on a whole new meaning when it comes to posture. As the day wears on and you get increasingly tired, make sure not to slouch. All you have to do to be successful is sit all the way back in your chair and use a rolled-up towel or cushion to support your lower back. Make sure your knees are at a 90-degree angle and your feet are flat on the floor.

Beware of technology - Yes, yes, we know your smartphone is like an extension of you. But don’t let that technological extension be your downfall. When you tilt your head down to read your email, your favorite chiropractic blog, or to watch that new funny cat video, it puts a lot of stress and strain on your spine. Lift the phone up to meet your eyes and you’ll take a big step toward healthier posture.

Drive tall - We understand you might look cool with your car seat reclined, but it’s not good for your posture. Make sure your seat is as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible, with your knees only slightly bent and at hip level or just above. And don’t forget the lumbar support!

These are just a few easy ways you can practice good posture every day. If you need more tips or some more direction, then talk to a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic today for some posture tips and tricks. And make this the spine-healthiest May you’ve ever had!

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.