Posture
Life long habits to a healthy back.
Posture:
Good posture is a life-long habit worth developing. It is simple and do-able, something that's good for you and easy to do whether you're working at your desk, driving your car, shopping for groceries, or lying in your bed.
The benefits of good posture are numerous - for example, it can prevent injury, aid in breathing, save your energy, lessen your stress level, and improve digestion. Plus, it simply makes you feel and look better.
Why it's important:
"Posture" is essentially the position of the body. "Good posture" means your bones are aligned in such a way that there is minimal stress or tension. This proper alignment allows your muscles, joints, and ligaments to work smoothly. Good posture also enables your vital organs to be positioned properly so that they can function at peak efficiency.
Without good posture, your overall health may be compromised. Long-term effects of poor posture can include poor digestion, labored breathing, and stressed muscles, joints, and ligaments. This can eventually lead to an inability to work efficiently or move properly.
What causes poor posture:
- Accidents, injuries, falls
- Careless sitting, standing, sleeping habits
- Poorly designed work space
- Foot problems or improper shoes
- Inadequate mattress support
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle imbalance
- Excess weight
- Respiratory difficulties
- Visual difficulties
- Emotional difficulties (e.g., low self-esteem)
- Occupational stress
Good posture vs. bad posture:
Good
One of the most important features of good posture is the natural S-curve of the spine. From the side, you should easily be able to see the three natural curves in your back.
Straight head, held high
Shoulders back
Chest out
Stomach tucked in
Bottom tucked in
Feet slightly offset, one in front of the other
Knees slightly bent
Bad
When you have poor posture, the body's proper vertical position is out of alignment and the back's natural curves become distorted. Poor standing posture may include these traits:
Tilted head
Protruding head (too far forward)
Retracted head (too far back)
Rounded shoulders
Rounded upper back
Arched lower back
Protruding bottom
Distended abdomen
Locked knees
Here are some tips for maintaining good standing posture:
- Keep your head directly over your shoulders and your shoulders over your pelvis.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles and tuck in your bottom.
- Place your feet slightly apart with one foot in front of the other.
- Prop one foot up on a box when standing in one place for an extended period. Alternate every 20 minutes.
- Bend your knees just a little bit.
- Move around and take breaks whenever possible - your body can tolerate staying in one position for relatively short periods of time. Although these postural improvements may feel strange at first, you will soon enjoy the adjustments and reap their benefits, from decreased pain to increased energy.