What Happens When Your Posture Sags?
How many older people do you see every day who are bent forward as they walk? How many teens, college kids and techie types do you see slumped over their screens? How many of us all just forge ahead through the day giving little thought to posture?
It’s only when neck pain or back pain gives us a swift hit that we get serious and try to find out what is going on.
Why is good posture important?
As we move through our world carrying groceries, picking up kids, or lifting stuff in the garage, or on the job, correct posture can make a huge difference.
In the office good posture can help us get through many hours and many meetings.
Overall good posture, can protect our joints and help us avoid neck or back pain.
But a visit to the chiropractor can really give you the complete picture on posture and how to make it work for you.
The initial visit to your chiropractor.
Chiropractors not only supply hands on assistance for aches and pains, but they are well equipped to assess your posture and provide guidelines for improving it.
The chiropractor’s goal is to keep your spine and your body in prime shape. As you are evaluated with a spinal adjustment and your spinal health is monitored, the goal will be to help you find relief without medications or surgery.
Along the way, the chiropractor will want to review your medical history and talk about your daily activities, diet and exercise routines too. As your posture is discussed there might be a review of your work or home habits, number of hours in one spot, and individual tasks like keyboard or small tool use.
There might also be some diet discussions and weight loss suggestions. The focus could also cover good mattress choices, guides to good office chair postures and exercises, and things to be aware of when standing.
The American Chiropractic Association Standing Posture Guide
Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
Keep your knees slightly bent.
Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
Tuck your stomach in.
Keep your head level-earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
Shift your weight from your toes to heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.
If you ignore posture it probably will get worse and this discussion will come up again when you start to have painful twinges.
Change the game today and make an appointment with your chiropractor.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of amateur photography by michel