Practice Good Posture With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
Our days are packed full of meetings, hours of computer work, and standing in line. It can be easy to forget about our posture until we are sore or stiff.
It is natural to lean forward while working on a laptop or texting. However, these actions can stress the spine, leading to back and neck pain, fatigue, and muscle strain. Practicing good posture reduces the strain on muscles and ligaments supporting the spine, increasing mobility and decreasing pain.
Here are some ways to keep your body in proper alignment through good posture.
Use an Ergonomic Office Chair
Maintaining proper posture all day at your desk can be difficult. Sitting at your desk until you finish a long project, shifting to text and take a phone call, and forgetting to stand up at least once an hour can cause us to slouch and become stiff. Poor posture also causes text neck, which happens when we bend our neck too far forward.
Try to keep your back straight and to distribute your weight evenly. Your feet should sit flat on the floor. An ergonomic chair adjusts in multiple ways to keep you sitting properly. Adjust the chair seat so that your knees are at a 90-degree angle when your feet rest on the floor.
Avoid Slouching While Standing
Standing in long lines gets tiring. Gravity makes it easy to slouch, especially when fatigue sets in.
However, we want to avoid slouching to maintain good posture while standing. Rest your weight on the balls of your feet and bend your knees slightly. Stand with your feet as far apart as your shoulders, and relax your arms at your sides. Don't lock your knees. Straighten your spine.
Lift Correctly
Lifting heavy objects the wrong way can injure your spine. Maintain an upright posture while bending your knees and hips. Tighten your abdominal muscles to lift the object.
It is tempting to bend over and grab something. However, being closer to the object you want to lift will put less pressure on your lower back. Keep your back straight as you squat down to pick up the object. Use your feet and not your back to move the load, and try to absorb most of the weight with your legs and abdominal muscles.
Visit the Chiropractor
Stiff and sore joints can prevent you from practicing good posture. The chiropractor can address any restricted spinal discs, giving you more flexibility and the ability to straighten your back without pain.
If poor posture is causing you pain or discomfort, head to The Joint Chiropractic clinic today. The Joint's affordable pricing and walk-in visits make care accessible to everyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.