Mom Posture Isn't Just for Moms
By Donna Stark
Being a mom is tough. But I didn't realize how bad it made us look until I started hearing the terms "mom jeans" and "mom posture." Most people are familiar with mom jeans because they are actually becoming cool again, even though they were originally thought of as being very unflattering about 25 years ago. But even worse than mom jeans is mom posture. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, moms are known to exhibit such poor posture that somebody thought it would be a good idea to name it after us. Obviously, both are little digs to the way moms look, but unlike mom jeans, mom posture will never be cool.
What is Mom Posture?
Mom posture is also known as rounded shoulders and rounded shoulders is exactly what it sounds like. It's poor posture with shoulders that are rounded forward as opposed to being held straight and back. Do you remember when you were a child and your mom or teacher corrected your posture every day? Well, they weren't wrong. And it's even more important today to be mindful of rounded shoulders because it is so easy to fall victim to it with all of the electronic devices in our hands. So how do you know if you have mom posture or not? Here are some things to look for.
- Is your back straight or is it curved?
- Are you sitting upright or are you hunched over?
- Are your shoulders held back or are they pulled inward?
If you answered yes to the latter part of the questions above, you may be suffering from mom posture. And I really do mean suffering. Mom posture can disrupt the function of the muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders. It can easily lead to pain and discomfort as well as place added stress and tension on the body's muscles and joints. It should definitely not be ignored.
Lifestyle Habits That Contribute to Mom Posture
There are many lifestyle factors, or habits, that can contribute to mom posture, so it is a good idea to become aware of them. Take a look at a few of them here.
- Constant use of a smartphone or tablet
- Working on a computer or laptop
- Sitting for long periods
- Driving a vehicle for work
- Bending over repeatedly
- Carrying heavy objects all day
Correcting Mom Posture
The good news is that, in most cases, rounded shoulders can be corrected and oftentimes prevented. With gentle stretching, regular exercise, and proper posture, it's actually quite simple to keep mom posture at bay. In fact, before you even realize it, rounded shoulders can easily become a thing of the past. Just like those jeans should have stayed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.