Lagging? Straighten Up - Chiropractic May Help
By Ssndy Schroeder
Sometimes you can guess the age of a stranger just by looking at their posture. The more they slouch or bend forward, the older they look. Nobody wants to look older simply because they slouch more and more, but it happens. The good news is this may be improved.
Dr. David Binder of the Orthopaedic Spine Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, says, “Age does affect the neck, back and shoulders, but most changes in posture are a result of bad habits, such as sitting hunched over, or not standing cojrrectly. Over time muscle weakness and imbalances can trigger spasms and stress the neck, lower back and shoulders.”
Gradually poor posture can increase the risk for injury and impact natural alignment, sitting or standing. However, you can change the flow of events.
How to Achieve Good Posture
Your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you is an excellent choice for assistance. The Joint’s doctors of chiropractic help people of all ages relieve pain and create new wellness habits.
When you come in, your chiropractor will evaluate your spinal health, assess your posture, and ask how much you sit or stand.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment to correct any joint restrictions and facilitate movement may provide far-reaching pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being. Weekly 15-minute adjustments may be just the right choice to keep you at your new peak, and pursue some healthy posture corrections.
The best suggestion of all may be to move around. Harvard’s Dr. Binder says, “Holding any position for a long time can lead to pain.”
If you will be sitting or standing for long periods, set a reminder on your phone, computer or laptop, to move every 20 minutes. Moving lessens muscle strain and tiredness that encourages slouching.
Here are some more tips.
Do regular vision checks – If you are having problems with your eyesight your head will automatically move forward as you peer at a screen. Do annual checkups or see an ophthalmologist if you are having other vision problems.
Stretch and strengthen – Your chiropractor can help you develop a routine to create a stronger, more flexible posture. Or you might try yoga or tai chi classes.
Move your TV – Adjust the distance for easy viewing. Do 5 or 6 feet for a 40- to 47-inch TV, 6 to 8 feet for a 50-inch or larger screen.
If this sounds like a good direction, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Learn more about the affordable personal care plans that require no insurance, the convenient weekend and evening hours, and walk-in visits. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.