Posture Tips You Can Use Today
Posture is something that we often ignore during the day; unless someone points it out to us. Taking the time to ensure that we are sitting up straight with our heads facing forward is not always the most important thought in our day. Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies when lying down, sitting and standing. Without posture, we would fall to the ground due lack of muscle tension and control against gravity. Back muscles, abdominal muscles, and even your hamstrings are very important at maintaining good posture. Ligaments help to hold the skeleton together and postural muscles maintain our posture and balance during movement.
Tips on Improving Posture
Below are some tips on how you can maintain a proper posture and overall good health. There are several ways you can improve your posture by focusing on proper positioning.
- Sitting positions – If your feet don’t reach the ground while you are sitting, use a footrest. Do not cross your legs as your ankles should be in front of your knees. Your backrest should support your low to mid-back for support. Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time. If you have a job that requires sitting, get up every once in a while.
- Standing positions – Bear your weight on the balls of your feet and always keep your knees slightly bent. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and your arms should hang naturally down the sides of your body. Always stand straight with shoulders pulled backward. If you must stand for long periods of time, ensure you shift weight from toes to heels or one foot to the other.
- Lying positions – Always ensure you have the right mattress for you, with a firm as the best recommended style unless you have back pain, then a softer mattress may be more comfortable. Always sleep with a pillow to keep your spine in alignment. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach and if you sleep on your side, consider using a pillow between your legs.
These tips can help to improve posture positions and provide less stress on your joints and muscles.
Chiropractic Treatment for Posture
Another tip is to have regular chiropractic visits. A chiropractor can ensure that your body is aligned and that muscles are supporting your skeletal system in a proper way ¹. Making an appointment with us at The Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol is a great option if you live in the northeast and are desiring chiropractic services. Dr. David Spitz is an experienced chiropractic physician that can take the entire body into perspective when designing a treatment plan. His plan will incorporate diet, exercise, stretching habits, and spinal manipulation as necessary. His treatment will be focused on the patient and customized to their unique specifications.
Consequences of improper posture may include unnecessary strain on postural muscles and may cause them to relax if a position is held for a long time. This causes the ability for the muscles to become strained and prone to injury or pain. Most things that contribute to poor posture are stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles and high-heeled shoes. Making sure to exhibit proper posture and muscle strengthening exercises is a great way to ensure your posture remains healthy.
¹ Maintaining Good Posture – American Chiropractic Association
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
