5 Habits to Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture results from inactivity and can lead to serious back pain. An estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of the U.S. population experiences back pain at some point in their lives. What’s more, at any point in time, 15 percent to 37 percent of us are experiencing back pain. In addition to causing back pain, poor posture contributes to fatigue and can cause postural muscles to adapt to asymmetric abnormal postures.
Get Frequent Exercise
Your muscles need frequent movement to prevent stiffness and to increase flexibility. Take time to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, and alternate the types of exercise you practice. Take a hot yoga class to warm your muscles and work on your lumbar spine. Downward dog and child pose are beneficial to your lower back. Try a Pilates class, focusing on building your core for a stronger back. Another option is to spend time in the gym lifting weights; building your back muscles will strengthen your ability to sit upright and stand tall.
Stretch in the Office
The average office employee sits for 10 hours. Try changing your posture every 20 to 30 minutes. Take a walk around the block, take the stairs to your office, and avoid hunching over your desk. Your first line of defense against back pain begins with stretching the more activity your spine receives, the less likely it is to be uncomfortable. Practicing simple exercises while at work, and giving your body a break will increase your wellness.
Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
Ergonomics applies the science of equipment design to maximize productivity and comfort at work. Sitting well correlates to higher productivity at work. The right chair should fit your body and complement your work style. Choose an ergonomic chair designed for proper support, preferably with contoured cushions that support your body as you move, helping you sit comfortably.
Sleep on the Right Mattress
Proper bedding helps maintain your posture even during sleep, preventing painful results such as pinched nerves, insomnia, and stiff neck. The trick to choosing the right mattress is to spend 10-15 minutes lying on a mattress in the store, considering how your body adapts to the curves. Pay attention to areas of your back that feel stressed vs. relaxed. A good night’s sleep will strengthen your back, provide you with the energy you need for a productive day, and allow your body to relax and restore itself overnight.
Realign Your Spine with Chiropractic Biophysics
Instead of merely adjusting your lifestyle, you may need to examine what is happening on the inside of your body. Proper posture is achieved by a correct alignment of the spine. Chiropractic BioPhysics combines biology, physiology, physics, geometry, and anatomy to identify the causes of your pain, discomfort, loss of mobility, and altered health. Once the source of your pain is identified, your doctor will create a carefully planned series of adjustments, exercises, and a spinal remodeling program to put you on a pain-free road to better health. As your spine realigns, you will notice your posture straightening and your symptoms of pain clearing up.
If you are experiencing poor posture and/or back pain, consider contacting Advanced Spine & Posture. Our team of experienced corrective chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, and doctors can determine whether you are a candidate for Chiropractic BioPhysics. Schedule an appointment at one of our clinics today!
