Proper Posture Part I

We often hear that good posture is essential for good health. We recognize poor posture when we see it formed as a result of bad habits carried out over years and evident in many adults. But only few people have a real grasp of the importance and necessity of good posture.

What is posture?

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don't even have to think about it. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles, when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement.

Why is proper posture important?

Proper posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities.

Correct Posture: 

• Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
  
• Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
  
• Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue or compensation.
  
• Helps prevent muscle strain; overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.
  

To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognize your poor postural habits and poor biomechanics at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary. 

Consequences of Poor Posture

Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to become weak or deconditioned, when held in certain positions for long periods of time. For example, you can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain.

Several factors contribute to poor posture-most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes.  In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning.

Bottom Line

Chiropractic adjustments help the body realign and teaches proper muscle function so you can maintain proper posture during your daily activities. Specific exercises also help retrain your body to function properly. Sometimes there has been years of incorrect posture and we need some assistance to correct it- for example we get a cervical spine x-ray and there is a decreased cervical lordosis, a straightening of the natural cervical curve. We will incorporate a cervical molding roll creating a fulcrum to correct the straightening of the curve. This is accompanied with cervical strengthening exercises and chiropractic manipulation. 

How is your posture? Do you sit for long periods of time during the day due to work? Your comments are welcome below!

Author

Dr. Lori Nuzzi