Good posture is a part of your body language and has a profound effect on your confidence and presence. It is, however, much more than cosmetic. It prevents pain in the back, neck and shoulders and helps you stay healthy.
Even though bad posture may not be uncomfortable for you, over a long period of time, it can cause back pain. This is especially true for bad posture whilst sitting for many hours throughout the day.
If taken lightly, back pain caused by poor posture can become a life-long health problem. It can affect you adversely, regardless of your age. Postural abnormalities detected at a young age can be corrected far easily. By improving your posture, you can reduce the incidence of back and neck pain, and actually prevent serious back problems from developing later in life.
Poor posture strains the back muscles and the spine, affecting ligaments, discs and joints, which in turn become major contributors to back and neck pain. Here are some examples of bad posture:
- Slouching with hunched shoulders.
- Too large of an inward curve in the lower back (Lordosis or “Swayback”)
- Carrying heavy objects on one side of your body.
- Cradling a phone between your neck and shoulder.
- Wearing high-heeled shoes or very tight clothes.
- Keeping the head held too high or looking down too much
- Sleeping on a mattress that does not provide adequate support.
- Slumping forward while sitting on a chair.
- Not using lumbar back support while sitting
- Sliding forward while sitting on a chair.
All these activities lead to postural back pain. This can, however, be prevented. Learn how to stand up straight and sit correctly, and teach the same to your kids. For good postural development, you must use an ergonomic desk and chair, good shoes, and a comfortable bed for sleeping.
Remaining in one position for too long is also a part of bad posture. It can lead to fatigue and back pain. So, take frequent breaks to stand up, walk around and stretch.
If you are not getting adequate sleep, your postural muscles are bound to become painful. So, quality sleep and rest are absolutely necessary.
While, prevention is always better then cure, postural back pain can be treated by three effective means including Chiropractic, Alexander technique, and Physical therapy.
Correct posture is a simple way to keep your back and spine healthy. And correct posture is when each part of your body is in proper alignment and balance with the other parts. Don’t overwork your back muscles. Learn the simple rules of good posture and follow them. Also,
Exercises for Postural improvement are highly recommended!
* Note: Image(s) by the courtsey of http://www.nano.org.uk.