Slouching Leads to Weak Muscles and Back Pain
By Debra Rodzinak
Slouching at a desk all day is definitely not good for your spinal health. However, not only is it bad for your spine, but your upper body loses strength over time when a person constantly slouches. If you struggle to do one pull-up, you may be guilty of slouching. Slouching can also lead to neck, shoulder and lower back pain and injury.
However, there is good news for slouchers. Keeping the upper body’s muscles strong and activated can help you avoid slouching and give you better posture.
Exercise
The muscles that keep the shoulders pulled down correctly and the body in an upright position are the latissimus dorsi (lats) and the lower trapezius (traps). When these muscles work correctly, the body is strong, balanced, and pain-free. Sitting at a desk all day can make these muscles weak. Slouching actually stretches these muscles past the point of effective tension.
In addition to the spine being affected by weak lat and trap muscles, the abdominal muscles are also affected. When the lats are strong, the abs are also stronger. Some exercises that can strengthen the latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles include:
- Upper Trap Release
- Pec Release
- Strengthen: Wall Dips
- Strengthen: Kneeling Lat Pull Downs
- Strengthen: Prone Lower Tap Slides
Chiropractic
Even if the muscles of the back and core are strengthened, if the spine is out of alignment, back and neck pain will surely ensue. A visit to your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic can help relieve your back pain and get your spine in proper alignment.
At The Joint Chiropractic, the highly qualified doctors of chiropractic work with patients to develop a plan of treatment that will lead to decreased back and neck pain and put the spine in proper alignment. When the spine is properly aligned, the nerves of the spine are able to better function and the body will heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
With over 370 locations nationwide, finding a location that is convenient to you is simple and stress-free. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, finding time to come by The Joint Chiropractic during their extended weekday or weekend hours is based on your busy schedule. The doctors and friendly staff at The Joint Chiropractic will work with you to get you back on track to overall better health.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.