Chiropractors Say Slouching Slays Your Health
By Brandi Goodman
Too many people spend their time slouching. You may find yourself sitting slouched on the couch. Perhaps you hunch as you're standing. Failing to stand and sit up straight can really wreak havoc on your spine. Chiropractors say slouching slays your health. Do what you can to avoid it so you can better your well-being.
Straining Your Spinal Discs
Sitting slouched can put strain on your spinal discs. This will lead to intense pressure and pain -- and eventually, bulging discs. The more you allow yourself to slouch while you're sitting, the harder it will be to correct the problem. This may require surgery down the line to repair the disc damage. Always make sure you're sitting upright and even use a lumbar support behind your back if needed. An ergonomic chair is also an option.
Tech Neck Causes Spinal Problems
Slouching isn't all that affects your spine. The way you find yourself looking down at your phone or tablet is also part of this equation. This is referred to as "tech neck" and causes neck and shoulder pain as you spend significant amounts of time with your neck tilted downward. You should be holding your device up to eye level and looking at it straight on, rather than tilting your neck down toward the screen. Doing so will prevent the neck pain associated with this growing problem.
Slouchers Need Exercise
Anyone who finds themselves slouching often -- especially while sitting -- needs to make sure they're getting plenty of exercise. Though remaining sedentary for hours at a time already raises concern for many health problems, getting more exercise into your daily routine can help combat some of those concerns. Get up every 30 minutes or so to ensure you're moving your joints and getting a chance to stretch your spine. It can prevent strain and further problems. You should also park farther away from any destination -- be it work or the store -- to get in some extra steps and more exercise.
Heels Encourage Spinal Problems
Heels are worn by many women. This style of shoes should actually be avoided. They encourage spinal problems and can quickly cause damage to the body. When you wear heels, you're putting your body out of balance. Your feet are tilted as you stand and walk. This causes your spine to be thrust forward and your back over-arched. You also place more weight on your knees, which can quickly wear them down. Proper posture is easily achieved with athletic shoes -- not heels.
Slouching can really slay your health. Sitting in a slouched position or standing without being completely upright can cause serious strain to your spine. Do what you can to remain upright when you're both standing and sitting so you can maintain your spine's health and prevent other problems.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Henderson, Nev.