HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY POSTURE?

With more and more of us living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, we need to once more look to the importance of posture and the benefits this can bring to your health.

As a chiropractor, I know just how important good posture is to your health. I frequently chat with patients about ways they can improve their posture. Posture has an effect on both your body’s physical function as well as your overall health. Here at The Back Clinic we have assessed, documented and worked to correct countless cases of posture problems.

Specifically, poor posture can impact your health in the following ways:

• Physical pain
• Restricted breathing
• Digestive issues
• Effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing
• Impact self-esteem and confidence. This point is especially relevant to teenagers as they already deal with esteem and body image issues. Having a crooked spine during the early growth and development years may setup a lifetime of postural challenges.

Furthermore, if poor posture habits aren’t corrected, your body may become ‘stuck’. For many people this represents the ‘new norm’. In some cases, the body can’t self-correct, leading to potential impacts on health and function.

We frequently discuss the types of posture that contribute to health issues, such as:

• Slouching posture: may put increased pressure on internal organs
• Forward head posture: may increase pressure on spinal cord and contribute to muscle tension or headaches
• Poor posture may compress the rib cage, restricting breathing and oxygen flow

Many of us are familiar with issues such as back pain, discomfort and being unable to stand or sit in one position without a degree of pain.

I’LL LET YOU IN ON A SECRET: THE POWER OF YOUR POSTURE

When your body is in an upright and natural posture, you are biomechanically balanced and better able to carry out daily tasks and activities.

Recent research suggests good posture has a positive effect on mood, concentration and energy levels.

“Adopting an upright seated posture in the face of stress can maintain self-esteem, reduce negative mood, and increase positive mood compared to a slumped posture. Furthermore, sitting upright increases rate of speech and reduces self-focus” (1)

Here at The Back Clinic, I help patients discover the benefits that chiropractic and improved posture may offer them. After years of study and countless patient examinations, I am confident in asserting that an upright and natural posture (and body) helps patients not only look better, but move, bend and stretch better. Posture improvements can really give you a new outlook on life.

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE TODAY

1) Sitting

If you sit down for long periods of time, such as at work or while studying, bad posture habits tend to sneak their way. Try taking a ten-minute break every hour by standing up, stretching your legs and moving around. When sitting down, if your office chair is adjustable, try adjusting the base of the seat so it’s lower at the front and slightly higher at the back. This lifts your bottom above your knees and positions the spine in an upright and relaxed S-curve.

2) Standing

Stand up nice and tall and hold your body in a natural, neutral posture. This includes tightening your stomach muscles (which support the lower back), placing even weight onto both feet, and holding your head up. Avoid leaning on things for support and don’t stand with all your weight on one leg.

3) Sleeping

As we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, the posture and habits associated with how you sleep need to be carefully considered. Do you sleep on your stomach or do you curl up into a ball? It’s recommended to sleep either:

• on your back- try a chiropractic pillow and invest in a firm mattress every 6-8 years
• or, on your side, with your feet inline with your hips and your hips in line with your shoulders and head i.e. a straight line

4) Sports and activities

To help support good posture, be sure to include regular exercise sessions throughout your week. Activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga and pilates work well with your regular chiropractic adjustments. Remember to stretch before, and after, exercise.

5) Regular chiropractic adjustments help correct poor posture

A thorough chiropractic evaluation may determine whether your posture is contributing to symptoms such as back pain, discomfort, restricted breathing and/or poor biomechanics.

 

THE BACK CLINIC – A VISION FOR BETTER HEALTH

“Our Vision is to expand The Back Clinic into multiple centres and promote optimal health to our wider Australian community. For every man, woman and child.

Get your powers on!”

-Dr. Omar Ayouby (Chiropractor)

The Back Clinic

BOOK A CHIROPRACTIC CONSULTATION

Are you interested in learning how chiropractic may help you to reduce pain, improve posture and perform better? Let’s work together to improve your health. Start today and receive a complimentary massage – find out more here >>

 

Chiropractor in Bexley

Please phone (02) 9592 1282

132 Stoney Creek Rd, Bexley, NSW, 2207.

 

Chiropractor in Bankstown

Please phone (02) 9708 6011

6/434 Chapel Road, Bankstown, NSW, 2200