Did you know that May is National Correct Posture Month? BodyZone and Posture Practice founder and posture expert Dr. Steven Weiniger started PostureMonth.org to promote posture awareness its impact on our health. It is an awesome recourse for all things posture! Check out the website where they have useful tips on everything from driving posture to office chairs!
The structure of your SPINE determines the function of your BODY
Your spine is made up of 24 separate and distinct vertebra and likely over 100 separate joints that make it possible for a variety of movement in a normal healthy individual. The spine has two main jobs: to protect the nervous system inside of the spinal column and to structurally support an upright posture. The spine is uniquely designed for these specific purposes. There are three different curvatures along the spine that are normal and essential to everyday activity and health. When these curvatures are compromised by weak posture, muscle imbalances, and injury it is almost always a precursor to other health concerns down the road. Chiropractic care is a vital component to preserving these curvatures as it relates to posture and overall health.
Contrary to popular belief there is really no "perfect posture." Perfect posture would only exist if we stood in one place all day long and lived in a bubble, moving only very little. As it states on PostureMonth.org, "Forget good or bad. Posture is strong or weak" meaning that posture is dynamic, not static, and is always changing. Your posture should be able to adapt and change with you while you move. Weak posture is the inability for your body to effectively support movement and thus can be "bad" for you in many ways. Because of this, posture is a great predictor of health!
Effects of STRONG Posture and GOOD Health:
Pain-free movement and flexibility
Better balance and coordination
Higher energy level
Elevated self-confidence
Reduced stress and anxiety
Optimism and positive attitude
Peak athletic performance
Ability to breathe deeply
Better quality of sleep
More youthful appearance
Staying active longer
Effects of WEAK Posture and Poor Health:
Pain due to more stress on muscles and joints
Headaches and Migraines
Reduced lung capacity and breathing issues
Muscle tightness and imbalance
Negative self-esteem and self confidence
Physical limitations and dependency
Less energy and vitality
Increased rate of arthritis
Increased stress and anxiety
Reduced sleep and fatigue
3 ACTION STEPS
Awareness: Take a few minutes to look at yourself in the mirror or even better take a photo. Recognize where you are now to determine where you want to go and how to get there. Look at your shoulders, your hips, your feet. We are looking for symmetry and balance. Also, take a look in the cars next to you on the road. Look at their head in relations to their shoulders. It is amazing what you can learn by just observing and being aware!
Control : Remember, forget good or bad. Posture is strong or weak, and there’s always a path to improvement! This is so true! Gain control of your posture and your health by simply adding basic core strengthening exercises daily. At our office we will gladly guide you into a simple and easy posture perfecting workout that will set you on the right track.
Environment: Are you setting yourself up for success? When you must sit, alternate between sitting at the front and back of the chair. Prop your feet up if you knees are over 90 degrees. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to take frequent movement breaks. These are all things that you can change immediately that will have a positive impact on your posture and your health! Make these little changes and notice a BIG difference!
From the desk of Dr. Lisette Miller-Kondrad. Dr. Miller has been in clinical practice for 7 years and has helped many patients improve their health through chiropractic care. She has additional training in Acupuncture and Prenatal techniques. If you would like more information, have questions, or want to make an appointment please contact us!