Posture is the general position that we hold our bodies while we are standing, in a sitting position, and even when we are lying down.
To have “good” posture means that our body parts are in the correct alignment and are properly supported by the amount of tension in the muscles, as it relates to gravity.
It is a known fact that having the proper posture is considered to be essential for optimal health.
In this article, you will learn the importance of posture and will be provided with 7 techniques on how to improve your posture.
The Importance of Good Posture
Generally speaking, good posture allows each of us to stand, sit, walk, and lie in the positions that place as little strain as possible on the muscles and ligaments of the body.
It helps to support movements and aids in our participation of weight-bearing activities. In addition to this, good posture also results in the following benefits:
- It helps to prevent the muscles from becoming strained, reduces the possibility of experiencing pain in the muscles, and also aids in the prevention of disorders that occur as a result of overuse.
- Good posture is productive in keeping both the bones and corresponding joints in the correct alignment. As a result of this benefit, abnormal wearing of the joints does not occur. This – in turn – helps to prevent pain, swelling, and the development of deformities within the joints.
- Having good posture allows each of the muscles in the body to work in a more efficient manner. This reduces the amount of energy that the body must use to perform various tasks and aids in the prevention of the muscles becoming extremely fatigued.
- Ligaments are responsible for holding the joints of the spine together. If these experience stress or strain, it could result in potentially devastating injuries. Good posture helps to reduce the amount of stress and strain on these critical joints.
Improving Your Posture
Now that you know the importance of having good posture, it is time to review the 7 steps that you may take in order to improve yours:
- When standing, purposefully make yourself stand up straight and as tall as possible. In order to do this properly, make a conscious effort to stand up in the same manner that you would stand if you were up standing straight up against the wall. Your head should be held straight and the chin should be tucked. The shoulders should be back, the knees should not be bent, and your belly should be tucked in.
- When in the sitting position, you should avoid the urge to slouch. Yes, it is comfortable, but it will result in many problems in the body. To ensure that you have the correct posture, sit with your feet placed flat on the floor. The knees should be held at a right angle so that they are approximately the exact same height of your hips. You should sit all the way back in the chair where you are at, and may place a cushion or towel immediately behind the mid-back area in order to properly protect the natural curve that is within your spine.
- When in the lying position, you should opt to lie on a surface that is firm. When using a pillow, you should ensure that you utilize one that helps to support your head and neck so that it is in proper alignment with your spine. It is also ideal to choose a pillow that only fits underneath the neck area.
- The next step to ensuring optimal posture is to eliminate additional weight that you are carrying and strengthen the muscles in your core. Strong muscles are considered to be a necessity when it comes to spinal support. While strengthening the muscles of your core, additional weight will come off. In turn, your spine will be subjected to a significantly less amount of stress.
- Do you find yourself leaning or putting your weight on one leg while standing? If so, you should stop doing this immediately as it creates imbalances in and around the pelvic region of the body. As this occurs, strain is placed on the muscles in the lower back area. You should stand in such a way that weight is distributed evenly between both legs. If you already have imbalances in the pelvic region as a result of standing this way, there are certain exercises that will correct them. The most productive are bridges, planks, and leg raises while lying on your side.
- Do you lean over at your computer a lot or to view your phone? If so, you may develop an issue referred to as “text neck” that can detrimentally impact your posture. You should perform exercises that will strengthen your neck, shoulders, and upper back area. When viewing your phone, use your eyes instead of positioning your upper body down. Over time, you will be able to correct any postural problems that you have developed as a result of the text neck issue.
- The next step to correcting poor posture is to see a chiropractor. These professionals help in correcting alignment issues and optimizing the health. A chiropractor will be able to teach you how to have proper posture, recommend various types of exercises that will strengthen the muscles that your posture depends upon, and provide numerous other suggestions or perform other techniques to get you all lined up. Chiropractic treatment in Augusta is sure to get you back in proper alignment and provide a boost to your general health.
Timeless Advice
Standing and sitting up straight and paying special attention to the posture is timeless advice that we have all heard throughout our lives. Posture helps in ensuring balance, maintaining correct form while performing activities, reduces strain, and keeps you healthy.
Regardless of your current postural stance, it is possible to correct it by following the steps outlined in this guide. If you would like to learn more or want to start improving your balance right away, contact us today by calling: 706-738-7731