Are you experiencing pain and stiffness due to poor posture? Chiropractors can help posture problems for you and your family. The position in which we hold our bodies is our posture. If we don’t have good posture while standing, sitting, or lying down, it will eventually lead to pain and dysfunction. This post is about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: How to Improve Your Posture.
Bad Posture Disrupts Your Homeostasis
Did you know postural asymmetry is a challenge to your homeostasis? Homeostasis is your body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment. This is despite external changes. And this is achieved through various physiological mechanisms.
Postural asymmetry leads to areas of possible muscular imbalance, bony asymmetry and mechanical stress. In other words, bad posture leads to strains, shoulder pain, headaches, TMJ problems and back pain. Eventually, bad posture may lead to osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” arthritis). Without good posture, you will be fatigued. Bad posture can also cause you to loose some of your height. Furthermore, bad posture will affect your circulation, digestion and even bring on breathing difficulties. So the physical limitation of your lungs and abdominal organs caused by a loss of height due to bad posture causes a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory mortality. Lastly, you will appear less confident without good posture.
What Can You Do To Have Good Posture?
First, avoid excessive sedentary activities. For instance, sitting, reading, watching T.V., playing video games, and using a computer, etc. And try to practice proper ergonomics. There are also other activities such as gardening or even playing a musical instrument that can lead to bad posture. Moreover, activities that lead to bending and lifting can lead to back aches if done improperly.
Second, try to have good posture in all activities. “Good posture” refers to the position of your spine in your neck and back. Your spine runs from the back of your skull through your lower back. You have three natural curves to the spine in your neck, middle of your back, and lower back. When you are standing or sitting with good posture, your head, shoulders, and hips should all be in line with one another.
Many people struggle with poor posture around the natural curves to the spine…
Third, poor posture can occur in your neck when you hunch forward over a keyboard or workspace for long hours of the day. Next, this can cause you to roll your shoulders forward and hold your head too far forward. Poor posture can also be from slouching or hunching your back. Specifically, it can happen more when you are in an unsupportive chair or while driving. To have good posture, think of your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line with your body weight equally distributed across both legs.
Fourth, focus on keeping your head held up, shoulders back, and stomach tucked in. Also, when sitting, try to keep your legs bent 90 to 120 degrees perpendicular to the ground. And your weight should be evenly distributed over both hips. Next, your feet should be flat on the floor.
Fifth, good posture while sleeping is crucial. After all, you should be sleeping 8 hours a night. This is a long time to keep the same posture. So sleeping on your stomach can increase your back and neck strain. It’s best to sleep on your back on a firm bed. And side sleeping is acceptable. However, side sleepers should focus pillow support between the head and neck, not the shoulder.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Correct Your Posture?
Chiropractic care can help you restore your healthy spinal curvature. And if you’ve been suffering from pain and stiffness due to poor posture, this will dissipate as well.
At your first visit, your chiropractor will start with an exam. During this exam, they will identify a diagnosis and any postural imbalances. Subsequently, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan of correction through adjustments.
A chiropractor can also use soft tissue techniques/therapy to work on strained soft tissue, (e.g. muscles). Afterward, your chiropractor will guide you through strengthening exercises. This builds up your postural muscles. Ultimately, all this leads to posture correction.
Throughout the process, your chiropractor will teach you how to move to encourage a neutral spine/ good posture. This is important to prevent re-injury, maintain proper alignment and the health benefits of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care Adjusts More Than Just Bad Posture
A visit for a chiropractic adjustment resets your nervous system. Chiropractic does more than just help with pain management.
Look great and move better. Find increased confidence from your good posture! People with good posture can expect more balance and coordination, energy levels, reduced stress/anxiety, and better athletic performance. Are you ready to have good posture, better health and a better life? Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: How to Improve Your Posture.