How to Check Your Posture
By Sara Butler
Learning how to check your own posture is one of the most vital things you can learn. That’s because taking inventory of your posture and your spine can help pinpoint any issues you may have with joint dysfunction and restriction early -- and early intervention will help you to feel better, move better, and have better overall health and wellness. Here are some suggestions from the chiropractors at The Joint to help you check your posture.
Check Your Symmetry
To do this simple check, stand in front of a mirror. Now, close your eyes and walk in place for several seconds, then open your eyes and compare your symmetry by looking at:
- Eyes, shoulders, and hips – Are all three of these level? If one side of these body parts is higher than the other, then your symmetry may be off
- Palms – Your palms should be turned in and facing each other
- Head and hips – Are they tilted to one side?
- Shoulders – From the side, are your shoulders hunched forward?
- Pelvis – From the side, is your pelvis pushed forward?
- Ears and shoulders – Are your ears directly over your shoulders?
These self-checks are a wonderful way to see where you’re putting your weight. They also help to determine if you have muscle imbalance due to compensation for poor posture. If you fail the symmetry check, then you need to check in with your chiropractor as soon as possible!
Proper Range of Motion
Another easy way to check your posture is to do a quick inventory of your range of motion. Can you use the full range and function of your back and neck? You can check this by:
- Rotating your head – To check the neck, rotate your head up and down as well as left to right. Is your chin reaching your shoulder? Can you touch your ear to your shoulder without bringing your shoulder up to meet it? You should be able to move your head in all directions without stiffness and pain.
- Moving your lower back and hips – Your lower back has less mobility than your neck, but you should be able to turn or tilt left and right and move your pelvis independent of your lower spine. If you’re unable to, then you need to see a chiropractor.
Taking just a few minutes out of your day to take an inventory of your posture can help you avoid needless suffering, discomfort, and pain. Do this every day in conjunction with regular visits to your chiropractor and you’re well on your way to better overall health and wellness!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.