Let’s talk about posture!!

Bad posture is the new smoking. While good posture, is confidence! From our pain levels to our self-confidence, our posture impacts a lot more then we think. People who are driving to and from work, as well as, sitting all day at a desk might be suffering from shoulder stiffness, neck tightness, headaches and rolled forward shoulders. Poor posture places a LARGE amount of stress on our spines and can lead to a lot of secondary problems! Having poor posture puts more stress on muscles and joints, forcing them to be overworked and causing them to fatigue! This leads you more susceptible for injury!!

What is good posture and how can we help!

The main idea of good posture is knowing how to keep a neutral spine. When we are in good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balances and supporting the body EQUALLY! When we are sitting we should;

1. Have feet flat on the floor
2. Knees at a 90 degree angle
3. Even weight on both hips (not leaning to one side)
4. Back should be mostly straight
5. Shoulders should be back (not rolled forward)
6. Shoulders should be relaxed and not at your ears
7. Ears should be above our shoulders (not pushed forward)

How can good posture HELP YOU!

Have good posture leads to a ton of awesome health benefits!

1. Reduce both neck pain and low back pain

A forward head position, in poor posture, puts strain on the upper back, shoulders and neck. With proper alignment and proper posture, the joints and ligaments are less stressed and less subject to chronic overuse. Therefore, decreasing your pains

Sitting and standing in a slouched position for prolonged periods of time stresses the low back. It also changes our natural lordotic curve! To help reduce this, we need to make sure we are standing with correct posture and positioning

2. Reduce headaches

Poor posture can contribute to TENSION/CERVICOGENIC headaches, due to increased muscle tension in the back of the beck. By changing our head position to be above our shoulders, we can decrease the amount of headaches we experience.

3. Increase your energy levels

When your joints are in correct alignment and the correct postural positioning, it allows muscles to be used as they’re intended! So you have less fatigue and more energy!

4. Improve circulation and digestion

When you are slouching, you’re compressing your vital organs! Healthy blood flow and digestion REQUIRE proper positioning. Avoid positions which cramp circulation, like crossing your legs or while sitting!

5. Increase self-confidence

Not only can good posture boost your energy levels and reduce your pains, it can also increase your self-esteem!

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO;

Here at be well we have an amazing chiropractor and awesome physiotherapist who are both postural experts! We will help train you in an passive and active care plan and help correct your positioning. For now check out our posture help videos 🙂

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