Making sure that you have good posture is more than just about being able to stand up straight. Being able to hold your body the right way, whether you are standing or sitting, is an important part of your overall health. So, it is important to make sure you have the correct posture while you go about your everyday lives. But what exactly does someone mean when they say to practice good posture?
Posture in general means the position of how your spine is aligned with your head, shoulders and hips. Good posture refers to the practice of maintaining the neutral spine. This is where your muscle groups, joints, and ligaments are all aligned in such a way that it reduces any stress on them. Having good posture keeps your body flexible, reduces fatigue, and helps keep your body balanced. There is no one perfect type of posture that we should all maintain. Everyone is different and therefore there are different types of postures that can be considered good. You will know if you have bad posture as slouching can promote health problems.
Whether you are sitting at a desk all day, looking down at your phone, or lounging on a couch, bad posture is common among people of all ages. You may not even be aware of it as your body subconsciously gets into a comfortable state. This makes it very easy to develop the habit of having poor posture without even thinking about it. After a while of repeatedly staying in a out-of-alignment state, you will start to notice your overall health decline. Poor posture can lead to neck and back pain, as well as digestive issues such as constipation, heartburn and slowed digestion.
The good news is that bad posture can be fixed, along with the health problems that come along with it. You can do this by being aware of your slouching and correcting it. There are also exercises you can do along with posture aids that can really make a difference if you need it. If you feel that you have poor posture, please contact your doctor for recommendations.
For more about the risks of poor posture, click here.
Article written by William Graves.