Smart Ways to Improve Posture
We all know how much better we look when we stand up straight. We also sometimes learn how much damage poor posture can do if we continually hunch over our many screens, sleep on lumpy mattresses, or bend further and further forward in senior years.
The American Chiropractic Association says good posture counts all of the time, when we stand, sit or lie down. When it is good it places the least strain on our muscles and ligaments night and day.
In the process we avoid degenerative arthritis, neck, lower back and joint pain. Stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak or tight muscles, high heeled shoes, lumpy mattresses and poor seated postures at work can all create problems and pain.
ACA Sitting Guide
ACA says to sit properly keep your feet on the floor or a footrest. Don’t cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees. Leave a small gap between the back of knees and the front of the seat. Keep knees at or below the level of hips. Adjust the back of the chair to support low and mid back or use a back support. Relax shoulders, keep forearms parallel to the ground, and avoid sitting for long periods in the same position.
In a busy world we all stay connected and we understand the posture warnings, but we do not always follow through as our busy schedules just take over. As we look around we see people bending over screens or slumped in chairs. Things only begin to change when pain intervenes. At first it can be a twinge or two, but when it gets rolling, things quickly change.
A Visit to Your Chiropractor Can Help
If you are having more and more neck pain, or lower back pain see your doctor and your chiropractor before the pain increases. In the initial visit to the chiropractor there is a spinal adjustment to evaluate spinal health, a review of medical history and a discussion of daily activities.
The chiropractor’s goal will be to identify the problems and seek to find pain relief without medications or surgery. Along the way in a series of visits, the chiropractor may also have suggestions for weight loss, a better diet, and relaxation exercises. For many this means also learning how to sit properly when they are working, and how to maintain good posture 24-7. In exchange, they are delighted to reclaim their daily schedules, minus the pain.
If this sounds like a good solution for you or someone in your family, make an appointment now and find out more.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Beth Scupham