subject: Sore Back? Improve Your Posture With Chiropractic Care [print this page] Most people believe that to stand up straight means tensing your back to heave your chest in and up, and pulling your head back into your chest. This is not the case. The spine has two natural curves that you need to maintain. When standing up straight, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed on your feet. You might feel like you are leaning forward, and look odd, but you don't.
A chiropractor can help you in many ways to improve your posture, but there are also things you can do yourself as well to improve your posture. Daily work activities can be a problem and hurt the alignment of your back. However, when you improve your posture through various techniques you will feel better, making your chiropractic re-adjustment much more efficient for your spinal health.
Simple Tips for a Healthy Posture
Your car has a headrest for a reason - to support your head while driving - so your head should actually touch it. Many people recline the seat in their car too much, which forces them to bring their head forward to see the road. It is not cool to slouch in your car when you experience chronic neck pain and headaches. When you are in your car next, be sure to bring the back of your seat up to no more than a 15-degree recline. Sit with your head touching your headrest, adjust your mirrors to the correct spot and stick with it.
Next, while you are at home check your pillows. Many people sleep with a pillow that pushes them forward, or even worse they sleep with more than one pillow. Have a loved one or a friend look at you in your sleeping position, your head should be aligned with your shoulders, not in front of them.
Lastly, while at your office bring your computer up to eye level. If you use a laptop, get one of the ergonomic wedges that make it a little higher. Take frequent posture breaks, if you find yourself looking down while you work. Set your phone or computer to remind you to take a two-minute break to stretch every 20 minutes.
Why Improve my Posture?
There are several good reasons to work on your posture other than "I was told to do so." The following are just a few good reasons why improving your posture is beneficial.
*It doesn't look good. Poor posture is unattractive and makes us appear to be tired, dis-interested and lacking confidence. This alone is motivation enough to improve someone's posture.
*It wears you down. Poor posture is due to muscular imbalance and weakness. When our heads are jutted forward the muscles in our neck and upper back have to work much harder. This extra work creates a stretch weakness that results in fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, neck pain, back pain, etc.
*It leads to pain. The pain from poor posture can be significant and even result in disability. Overworked, weakened muscles cause a buildup of lactic acid resulting in muscular pain. Chronic postural stress can also cause joint pain and pinched nerves.
*It makes you injury prone. Chronic postural stress causes sprain/strain injuries that can make ordinary house chores much more likely to result in injuries.
Visit your Quincy chiropractor for more information on proper posture and to find out how they can help improve your posture and the health of your back.
