How to Take Care of Your Posture

By Alexis Mills

Before getting into how you can take care of your posture, it's important to understand why we all need to take of our posture. Honestly, most people today don't have great posture because of lifestyle factors. Unfortunately, the worse your posture gets, the harder it is to fix -- your posture is not something you want to put off.

Why Posture is So Important

When you slouch, the vertebra crush down on the nerves, which also increases the pressure on the organs. If you continue to have bad posture through life, it can create deformation of the spine and displacement of organs, thereby creating major health issues. Good posture can reduce stress on your body, minimize risk of injury, prevent muscle strain, and conserve energy so muscles are more efficiently used.

How to Care for Your Posture

• Awareness - Bring your attention to your posture as you are sitting, standing, or lying down. Notice if certain positions are straining your back or neck and correct them. Sit up straight even if it's uncomfortable at first; keep your shoulders back and avoid sleeping on your stomach for the best posture possible.
• Exercises and stretches - Doing simple exercises continually like shoulder rolls, chest release, pyramid stretch, forward bend, and shoulder squeezes can really help improve posture. Yoga is a great exercise filled with moves that will help to strengthen your posture.
• Take a break from electronics - Being hunched over at your desk staring at your computer or phone really has a lasting effect on your posture and back health. But when you are sitting on the couch or at a desk, make sure your neck is vertical and not slouched forward.
• Stand against the wall - Standing up straight against the wall can show you what your straight posture is supposed to feel like. Holding the position up against the wall will help to train your back and body to feel more comfortable.
• Get off the couch - Sitting and slouching for extended periods of time really does a strain on your body, including your spine. Get up, take a walk and get outside!
• See a chiropractor - A chiropractor from The Joint Chiropractic can help you correct your posture through adjustments, exercises and recommendations to help your posture in everyday life. Don't forget to ask how to help your posture at your next appointment at The Joint Chiropractic.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, Okla.