How Your Posture Affects Your Health

Many of us grew up getting nagged by our moms to “sit up straight.” As kids, most of us naturally didn’t listen. Yet, the notion of keeping good posture is an important one. It turns out maybe our moms knew what they were talking about after all. Today, we’ll dive into how posture plays a crucial role in keeping good health.

What is good posture?

Posture is defined as the way we hold ourselves in different positions, both dynamic and static, such as sitting, standing, and walking. We often associate someone who holds good posture with an individual that exudes confidence or discipline; this is because it really is a sign of good health. While we are all built uniquely, there are a few common traits that you can recognize in a good or “normal” posture. These include:

• The spine creates an “S” curve from head to butt designed to absorb impact with daily activities
• Extension based curves (backwards “c”) are in the neck and low back
• A flexion based curve is in the mid-back
• The skull is balanced directly over the shoulders- rather than jutting forward
• Both shoulders are in line with the spine- not slouched forward
• Chin is neutral so that your line of vision is naturally forward
• No rotation in the spine at rest
• Hips, knees, and ankles are all relatively aligned from top to bottom
• And more… there are a lot of moving parts to balance when it comes to posture!

How can poor posture affect your health?

Poor posture is much more than an aesthetic issue. It also can put a major damper on your body’s normal function. The biggest problem it can contribute to is the overall alignment of the spine. Spine misalignment is a common issue that is overlooked that can manifest as a whole slew of symptoms, including pain, poor concentration or mood, injury, and so much more. Poor spine alignment blocks normal nerve energy and every bodily function it helps regulate (hint: that’s just about everything).

In addition to spine misalignment, poor posture can also lead to chronic inflammation, pain, and circulatory issues. These can cause or aggravate other pre-existing health conditions as well. Correcting your posture, especially as we age, isn’t just about “sitting up straight” anymore. It will most likely take the guidance of a trained professional to restore your posture and improve your health. And it’s totally worth it.

Keeping good posture with chiropractic care

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) is a specialized form of chiropractic care designed to address health issues related to spine misalignment at their root. Treatment from a trained professional can help expedite your results for improving your posture. Whether you are already suffering the secondary consequences of poor posture, or you simply want to prevent problems down the road, finding a CBP care provider in your area can help.