subject: Improve Your Posture And Your Health [print this page] If you walk around your office, no doubt you will see many of your co-workers are slouching in their chairs. Similarly, walking down the street will show you countless people that are practicing poor posture. Bad posture can lead to a variety of problems and severe pain. To avoid these problems, it is important to make a conscious effort to maintain good posture. Pay attention to these tips on how to make sure your spine stays aligned and free of pain.
What Is Good Posture?
Most people think that having good posture simply means standing up straight. In fact, your spine has two natural curves in it so standing up perfectly straight is actually not in your best interests. When you are standing, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed on your feet. While looking into a mirror, align your ears, shoulders and hips. Although these three points will join to make a straight line, your spine will actually curve in between these points. When you have poor posture, there is a change in these curves and your joints, ligaments and muscles become strained and cause pain.
Posture In The Office
Many people spend most of their days sitting at a desk in an office. Although this is not seen as strenuous work, this can actually do a great deal of damage to your back if you do not pay attention to how you sit. If you are sitting in an office chair, make sure you keep your back pushed up all the way back into the chair and avoid slouching or leaning forward in your chair. While you sit, keep both of your feet flat on the floor. Over the course of the day, make sure you adjust your positioning slightly to avoid putting too much pressure on one area of your body. During the day it is also important to get up frequently to get your blood flowing and give your back a rest.
Exercise Your Neck And Back
Another way to avoid pain is to strengthen the muscles in your back and neck to help support your spine. Doing this will help your posture and keep you pain-free. There are many exercises you can do with or without hand weights that will help you build muscle structure in your back and neck. In addition, it is important to stretch out these muscles to maintain flexibility. This is also a good method to use when your back of neck is sore and you are looking to relieve the pain. By doing a few simple exercises a few times per day, you will be able to strengthen your back muscles and provide more stability for your spine.
To learn more about your spine and proper posture, contact your Richmond chiropractor today.
