How Important Is Proper Posture?
Maintaining good posture is really important for a healthy body. Whether you
are working at your computer, driving a car, reading a book, knitting or sitting
at a meeting, you should always remember to be aware of your back. The spine
is not an inflexible rod as some people would believe. In fact, it is quite
flexible. Of course, the spine supports the body and all of its organs.
But, it also protects the sensitive and delicate spinal cord and spinal
nerves that act as the intelligence line to the entire body.
Some of the muscles in your back, neck and stomach regions help to maintain a correct posture. The function of these muscles is to sustain your upright position for long periods of time, and allow you to be more productive at work or play.
Slouching multiplies the already stressful forces placed on your spine by gravity which tremendously increases the pressure on your spine. Slouching can cause the discs in between your spinal vertebrae to push backwards, potentially causing a herniated disc. It also over-stretches the postural muscles that support your spine.
Forward head posture occurs when your head and ears are positioned
in front of your shoulders. It can cause the muscles at the base of the head
and neck to tighten, restricting blood flow to your head and also
your arms. The muscles at the base of the head and neck will tighten
and press on nerves. This can cause headaches, neck pain, numbness,
tingling and possibly pain into your arms and hands.
Rounded shoulders occur when your shoulders are not aligned directly over your hips and directly below your ears. This posture will cause undue stress on the shoulder tendons and subsequent tightening of the upper arm muscles.
- The following changes may improve your productivity for longer periods of time:
- Always try to sit an inch taller than normal.
- Align your ears directly over your shoulders.
- Align your shoulders directly over your hips.
- Position your head evenly between both shoulders, not tilted to one side.
- When looking down, your head should be positioned over your neck and not in front of your shoulders.
If you notice that your posture is incorrect, it may be in your best interest to schedule a spinal check-up with your local chiropractor. Delaying proper care is dangerous and can result in major health problems.