Stop slouching and poor posture woes. How long has it been since someone told you to “sit up straight”? Kids get advice on their posture all the time. However, even adults can use a reminder from time to time. If you find yourself slouching throughout the day, you may be subjecting yourself to back pain and other problems down the road.
First and foremost, one of the leading causes of low back pain is poor sitting posture. The strain on the back while sitting in a slouched position can cause excessive pressure on the joints. Not to mention the muscles, and the discs surrounding them. If your back aches, you just might be able to relieve your pain making adjustments to the way you sit.
Poor Posture and Back Pain
The muscles and joints in our back work together when everything is properly aligned. Poor posture disrupts this balance. Slumping forces the muscles and tendons in the lower back to work harder than usual. This raises the risk of sprains and strains. Poor posture can also cause tension and deterioration between joints, which can cause arthritis later on.
The Basics of Good Posture:
Standing – Think tall by stretching your head towards the ceiling. Remember, you should be able to draw a straight line from your earlobe to the front of your anklebone. Keep your shoulder blades back and engage your core.
Sitting – Keep as straight as possible. Think about keeping a straight line from your head to your tailbone. Try to sit in chairs with a firm, straight back. And do your best to keep your shoulders and jaw relaxed throughout the day.
Some Extra Support
Physioball – Use a physioball when completing homework or working on the computer. The instability of the ball forces core stabilization and good postural maintenance.
Lumbar Support – A lumbar support pillow can improve comfort in those with low back pain. Not to mention remind users to sit up straighter throughout their day.
Exercises to Try for Better Posture
Sitting scapular retractions and depressions — put your ‘elbows in your back pockets’ by pinching your shoulder blades back while pushing your elbows back and down.
‘Superman’ exercise — lay on your stomach while lifting everything including your arms, legs, head, and chest. Hold up while breathing for 3-5 seconds performing two to three sets of 10 repetitions.
Better Posture Through Chiropractic Care
These tips will help, but they will not be the cure to your postural alignment woes. Proper postural alignment takes time and practice. For further consultation and an adjustment, contact us today to schedule an introductory chiropractic session. We can discuss your work routine and postural alignment needs as part of my initial chiropractic workup for you as a new patient to our practice.
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.