Poor Posture Can Cause Problems With More Than the Back
Posture – the way you hold your body – is important to more than just parents trying to keep their children from slouching.
Posture is affected by how you sit, stand, and lie down. When your posture is good, your vertebrae (spine bones) are aligned well,.
Your spine should have a natural curve to it, without having slouched shoulders or shoulders pushed back too far.
Having good posture can help:
- Decrease wearing away of joint surfaces
- Keep bone and joints aligned correctly so muscles can be used in the correct way
- Maintain good breathing
- Prevent muscle strain
- Reduce stress on ligaments
Posture is badcan have negative effects on your body, including:
- Added stress
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Low energy
- Poor circulation
- Muscle strain
- Neck pain
The good news is that there are ways you can correct your posture, and it’s never too late to get started.
- Ask your doctor to create a stretching routine that will specifically help you.
- Massage your back by rolling two tennis balls that have been taped together up and down a wall.
- Doing and Pilates exercises.
- “Think tall” and extend your body.
- Try to keep all four corners of your feet on the floor.
In addition, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends using everyday activities – including sitting, sleeping, standing, walking, and bending – as an opportunity to correct posture.
Sources: Harvard Health Publishing; National Institutes of Health; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
