Why is posture so important?
Posture is as important as eating a healthy diet, sleeping 7-9 hours a day, avoiding harmful substances like drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Keeping good posture means that your bones, joints, ligaments are working the way that they should. It also means that there is no pulling or tugging on your organs so they can function properly. It also contributes to normal function of your nervous system.
When posture is bad, your health and function are compromised. Long term effects may effect your digestion, breathing, muscles, joints and ligaments. It can also effect your bodies ability to release toxins in your body. We can avoid these problems caused by bad posture and The good news is that most everyone can avoid problems caused by bad posture and it doesn’t matter how old you are, improvements can happen and you can get great results!
How Does it Happen?
Often, poor posture develops as a result of an accident or fall. In the majority of cases, it develops from environmental factors or bad habits. This means that you have control and can avoid getting symptoms.
In most cases, poor posture results from a combination of several factors, which can include:
1. Accidents, injuries and falls
2. Poor sleep support (mattress)
3. Excessive weight
4. Visual or emotional difficulties
5. Foot problems or improper shoes
6. Weak muscles, muscle imbalance
7. Careless sitting, standing, sleeping habits
8. Negative self image
9. Occupational stress
10. Poorly designed work space
Poor Posture & Pain - A lifetime of poor posture can start a progression of symptoms in the average adult. It can start with:
1. Fatigue – Your muscles have to work hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture. You waste energy just moving, leaving you without the extra energy you need to feel good.
2. Tight, achy muscles in the neck, back, arms and legs – By this stage, there may be a change in your muscles and ligaments and you may have a stiff, tight painful feeling. More than 80% of the neck and back problems are the result of tight, achy muscles brought on by years of bad posture.
3. Joint stiffness and pain – At risk for “wear and tear” arthritis, or what is termed degenerative osteoarthritis. Poor posture and limited mobility increase the likelihood of this condition in later years.
What are some common symptoms of poor posture?
Headaches, neck pain, arthritis, muscle strain, muscle spasms, pinched nerves, disc injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, fibromyalgia, fatigue, numbness or tingling in hands/legs, and low back pain.
From the ICA web page. For more information write to: International Chiropractors Association, 1110 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 528-5000.