Why good posture matters
If you have a stiff neck or chronic back pain, there may be many possible causes. But one of the simplest ways to address pain or discomfort may be to improve your posture.
Posture refers to the way you hold your body while moving, standing, sitting, and performing everyday tasks. It plays a part in multiple aspects of wellness, including digestion, breathing, circulation, joint and muscle health, pain-free movement, and mental and emotional well-being.
Lifestyle habits such as frequent texting or looking down at a phone, sitting in a slumped position at the computer or while driving, and slouching while standing or walking can all contribute to poor posture.
How can you optimize your posture for better health?
Tips for good posture
Our spines have 3 natural curves –cervical, lumbar and thoracic curves. Paying attention to simple principles for good posture helps ensure that these curves are in proper alignment, resulting in more even distribution of body weight, less strain on muscles, joints and ligaments, and reduced risk of back, and shoulder and neck pain.
These tips can help you cultivate good postural habits.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable.
- Sleep on a mattress that provides good back support. If you’re a back sleeper, use a small or flat pillow. If you sleep on your side, use a pillow that brings your head into alignment with your spine.
- Cultivate a lifestyle that includes regular movement. It doesn’t matter so much what kind of movement you do as long as you move. Like to walk, dance, bike, do Pilates or yoga, or go to the gym? Just do it.
- Change positions frequently over the course of the workday to avoid back strain. If you have a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time, take occasional stretch breaks – at least one mini-break every 30 to 60 minutes. When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or box.
- Consider physical therapy to address issues that may be contributing to poor posture.
Keep in mind that since all bodies are different, there is not a “best” posture suitable for everyone. Pay attention to how you feel in different positions and experiment to find what works best for you.
How physical therapy can help optimize your posture
There are a number of health conditions that can impact posture. These include osteoporosis,
lordosis (swayback), scoliosis, genetic factors, and injury. Physical therapy provides tools to improve posture and alleviate pain and discomfort, regardless of the cause.
Physical therapists address postural issues by finding muscles that have been weakened over time and working with you to strengthen them.
Let our team help with posture improvement
Our staff can recommend and prescribe exercises that are helpful for good posture. Whether you want to improve your posture while sitting, standing, or performing everyday tasks, our free evaluation is a great way to get started on the journey to feeling and moving better. Get in touch with us today!