We demand a lot of our bodies. We bend, lift, twist, and do all sorts of things to put ourselves into uncomfortable positions. Worse, a position may seem comfortable at the moment but could actually be harmful. Poor posture can not only lead to forming some bad habits, but it can also lead to issues such as back pain or injury. Serving Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding areas, the chiropractic professionals at Secrest Family Chiropractic can help you improve your posture and relieve your back pain.
What is Posture?
Posture is how you position yourself when standing, sitting, or lying. Proper posture allows for the body to be able to endure longer periods of an activity or to perform an activity in a more efficient manner. It is well-known that when lifting something heavy, the lifting should be done with the legs while the back remains upright. That is an example of proper lifting posture. When sitting, using a back rest to keep the back erect helps you maintain good posture.
What Does Posture Affect?
Posture affects your body as a whole. While it might not seem like a big deal to slouch on the couch, poor posture can lead to:
- Spinal misalignment
- Improper joint wear, making it more prone to injury
- Loss of flexibility
- Loss of balance
- Loss of mobility
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty digesting
- Back pain
- Muscle fatigue
How Can I Improve My Posture?
Being mindful of your posture takes care of much of it. If you are paying attention to how you are sitting, standing, or moving, you will be more likely to maintain proper posture. By making it a point to practice good posture, it is possible to overcome the habits that led to poor posture. Steps that you can take to help make things more automatic can include:
- Wearing comfortable, low-heel shoes. Higher heels induce poor walking and standing.
- Adjust your workstation to your height. This reduces strain from looking up or down too often.
- Stay active. The stronger your core muscles, the easier it is to maintain a proper posture.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Many muscles have to compensate for carrying extra pounds, and too little muscle mass can put undue stress on the body when performing daily tasks.
Contact Our Chiropractor for Back Pain Relief in Scottsdale, AZ
Chiropractors are trained to improve musculoskeletal function, making chiropractors ideal for addressing problems associated with poor posture. For more information on how our chiropractor can help you improve your posture or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor, call Secrest Family Chiropractic today at (480) 994-4411.