Improve Your Posture!
By Sara Butler
The reasons everyone from your grandmother to your chiropractor talks to you about improving your posture is because it's important. Sure, proper posture helps you to look better, but it's also important to maintain your overall health. Here are just a few of the reasons your chiropractor wants to work with you to improve your posture.
It Helps with Joint Dysfunctions and Restrictions
The primary cause of the joint dysfunctions and restrictions that are treated by chiropractors is poor posture, according to the American Chiropractic Association. These dysfunctions and restrictions lead to larger health issues such as arthritis, headaches, back pain, and sleep issues. They can also contribute to degenerative changes in your joints too.
If you can practice good posture, then you can help to strengthen the muscles that support your spine and joints, reducing the damage done by joint dysfunctions and restrictions to your joints.
Common Posture Issues
There are a few common posture issues out there. See if any of these seem familiar to you:
- Military neck - There's such a thing as posture that's too good. When the bones in the neck are too straight, then it can cause a reduction in your range of motion and result in a forward head posture that puts stress and strain on your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Humpback - Probably the most recognized of poor postures, this occurs when the curvature of the spine isn't normal. This posture issue increases problems with breathing and can cause damage to your overall health in the process.
- Swayback - When the lower portion of the spine is exaggerated in a way that pushes the buttocks out, it can cause problems with lower back pain and hip pain
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do to help you improve your posture. You can:
- See the chiropractor - Let your chiropractor work with you to help you understand how to strengthen your posture
- Stand smart - Make sure when standing that you don't lock your knees while making sure your weight is distributed evenly. If you have to stand for long periods of time, then make sure to take regular breaks.
- Sit right - Talk to your chiropractor about how you can sit at your desk with good posture. Keep your feet both flat on the floor and your shoulders back. Take frequent breaks, too.
If you're concerned about your posture and how it may be impacting your health, talk to a chiropractor at The Joint today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cincinnati, Ohio.