What is the ideal Posture?

• Our spine should have 3 curves, allowing it to bounce along quite happily throughout our day. Unfortunately the majority of people I see in clinic and out in the streets have significant changes to their posture and it likely comes down to our modern lifestyle - full of screen time and desk work. This isn't just the adults either. Kids and teen posture is getting worse and this can cause back or neck pain too. Research has shown that a significant percentage of children suffer from poor posture, especially with the growing use of technology. A recent study revealed that nearly 68% of children between 7 and 14 have poor posture, mainly due to prolonged use of phones, tablets, and gaming devices. Poor posture in childhood can lead to developmental issues, such as scoliosis, back pain, and difficulty concentrating in school due to discomfort.

Why does it matter if I slouch?

• Poor posture puts extra strain on the muscles and ligaments of our back, causing them to tighten. Add this to misalignments of the spine, and you can get back pain, neck pain and also compressed nerves, leading to radiating pain, tingling or even numbness in the arms or legs.

• Poor posture can also start to cause tension headaches, as the muscles in the neck and shoulders become overworked and tense. These headaches can be debilitating, interfering with your ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks.

• Spinal misalignments from poor posture place undue stress on joints, increasing the risk of arthritis over time.

What other effects does poor posture have other than pain?

• Rounded shoulders and a hunched posture can compress the chest cavity, making it harder to take deep breaths and reduces lung capacity. Try it out - sit slouched with your shoulders forward and take a deep breath. Now, sit up straight, shoulders back and try again. Notice the difference?

  This can have a huge impact on performance in sport, at the gym, running, singing and can also affect those with anxiety and low confidence.

• Next is the digestive system. Slouching all day can compress the abdominal organs, potentially leading to indigestion, heartburn and constipation.

• Lastly, poor posture can also affect your energy levels. It takes a lot of effort to hold your head up when you are in a slouched position (often 3-5x the effort!). Over time, this can lead to fatigue and if you are struggling to sleep at night due to aches and pains, it can lead to sustained low energy levels.

How can Chiropractic help?

Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in correcting poor posture. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment, ensuring that the vertebrae are in their correct positions, which can alleviate pain and improve posture. Through manual adjustments, chiropractic care can help restore proper alignment, reducing muscle tension and improving joint function. Additionally, chiropractors can offer tailored advice on posture improvement and exercises to help maintain spinal health.

In addition to chiropractic care, regular exercise and stretching are important to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Engaging in activities such as yoga, pilates, or strength training can help improve core strength and stability, preventing the reoccurrence of poor posture.

Investing in better posture today can prevent long-term health problems. Regular chiropractic care, combined with good daily habits, can make a significant difference in how you feel, move, and live.

As always please get in touch if you have any questions.

01475 602 028

reception@inverclydechiropractic.com