Having poor posture is a common yet negative habit that can affect a person’s health and wellbeing. It usually develops at any early age and follow us through adulthood. While many of us recognize that poor posture is an issue, few people truly understand the importance and necessity of having good posture.
First off, what is posture?
Posture is generally defined as the position that your body is in when you’re sitting or standing. Your posture is controlled by your muscles and joints, and your conscious mind to some extent.
When you find yourself standing normally (in a state of rest), do you find that your shoulders and back arch forward? This is considered poor posture as your spine is no longer being supported and other muscles in your body must now work overtime to overcompensate for the lack of spinal support.
What are the Negative Effects of Poor Posture?
Bad posture can lead to negative effects upon your spine, which can degrade over time. It can even cause poor digestion. Studies have shown that poor posture compacts your digestive organs and leaves them with limited functionality. This in turn slows digestion and negatively impacts your metabolism.
Cardiovascular issues can also arise from sitting or standing in the wrong position over a period of time. People who sit for long periods of time while at work are at the greatest risk. They could develop varicose veins due to the lack of circulation in your body.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of bad posture. Most people who suffer from back pain don’t realize that it is most likely caused by their posture.
Renton Chiropractors’ Posture Recommendations
The vast majority of people find themselves sitting in an office cubicle for upwards of 8-10 hours a day. While we cannot change our surroundings, we can try to make our work environment less detrimental to our health.
- Don’t be a statue.
The human body was not designed to sit stationary for long periods of time. Every 30 minutes or so, take a small break and roll your shoulders and neck. Stand up and do some gentle stretches. Or just get up and take a short walk to the other end of the office.
- Sit in a good chair
Request a high-quality, well-supported office chair from your employer. If that is not an option, then the next best thing you can do is make sure that you’re sitting properly. Place your feet are comfortably on the floor, with shoulders back. We recommend purchasing a comfy cushion to sit on or a lumbar pillow to help support your lower back.
- Position your computer monitor correctly
If you find yourself having to tilt your head down to look at your computer monitor (whether you’re on a laptop or desktop), you’re likely sitting with bad posture. Try to position your monitor or laptop so that the screen is at eye level and you’re not having to look up or down.
Petett Chiropractic Can Help Correct Posture Issues
Chiropractic care is a great solution for anyone suffering from the negative symptoms of poor posture. Chiropractic is a safe and natural alternative to surgery or medication, and you can usually see results in a shorter period of time.
We can provide the non-invasive treatment of back pain through gently manipulating certain parts of your body. Spinal manipulations realign your back and joints so that your body can start the healing process.
Chiropractors can do much more than adjusting your back. Our Renton chiropractors will get to know you, your health history and how you walk and sit. After they have all this information compiled, your chiropractor will then make a diagnosis and come up with a game plan to not only help correct your posture, but help your body to start the healing process which over time will allow you to feel a lot better.
Please call (425) 277-2225 to schedule an appointment to help diagnose and clear up the negative effects from poor posture. Our staff at Petett Chiropractic are here to answer any questions you may have regarding potential side effects from negative posture, and how we can help alleviate them.