The average worker suffering with back pain wastes 25% of their workweek focusing on that pain. If that sounds like you, you may already know why. Poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle slowly leech health from your happy spine. So what can you do about it? Read on to see why visiting a chiropractor may change your life.
Poor Posture Takes A Toll
From the early stages of development, poor posture begins to cause misalignment in the body. One study found that 30 percent of children at age 7 already showed signs of poor posture. As we grow, the three spinal curves in the back (lower, upper, and neck) work to keep our active and resting posture strong and flexible. In order to do this, the core and back muscles must be kept strong and flexible.
Problems arise at young ages as children spend most of their free time in non-physical activities. Activities like computer games and television are mentally interesting, but do not promote good posture. Sitting on a big, comfy couch actually promotes the opposite. Lazy muscles that do just enough to keep the spine up.
As children grow, less physical activity is required of them; by the time they enter the workforce, little to no exercise is required. In fact, a poll of average adults in 2014 found that only 20 percent of Americans meet the federal guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening activities.
This means, a large majority of Americans are lacking muscle strength and leaving slack in their posture.
Poor Posture Problems
Poor posture causes many problems, including:
- Back pain
- Neck Pain
- Poor oxygen intake
- Constipation
- Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
- Lack of circulation
- Increased feelings of depression
- Stress
- Sitting in poor posture
If anyone has ever shouted at you to “sit up straight!”, then you likely know one of the most prominent causes of poor posture; sitting incorrectly. Sitting for extended periods of time can cause the muscles in the back to create new, unhealthy muscle memories, making your slouching posture seem normal to you.
To solve this problem, see your sitting posture as an active pose. Don’t stay in one sitting position for too long. Change the angle of your chair and way you sit often. Stand up and move about the workspace for at least 10 minutes every hour, and do simple chair stretches regularly.
How A Chiropractor Helps Solve Bad Posture
Bad sitting posture is not an easily solved problem. Especially not on your own. Working directly with a chiropractor is the single best way to quickly improve your posture and strengthen your back. Through realignment techniques, exercise recommendations, and habit changes, chiropractic care can help you get back to a correct natural posture. Correct posture is vital to living a healthy life.
Benefits Of A Good Posture
- Reduce back and neck pain
- Prevent muscle strain
- Correct the alignment of joints and bones
- Reduce damaging stress on the body’s ligaments
- Prevent the abnormal joint wear that contributes to arthritis
- Fixing your posture
The first step towards a permanent change is being aware that there is a problem. The next step is taking action to fix it! Pay attention to how you sit, stand, and lie down. Correct your standing posture by keeping your shoulders back and your knees slightly bent.
While sitting, keep both feet on the floor, and use a back support. Again, take a break! Productivity in the workplace is important. A ten minute break every hour will make you feel more refreshed, and therefore more productive. After all, you need your back to last longer than your job.
As chiropractors, we care first and foremost about our clients’ health. By focusing on a holistic approach to wellness, we help our clients to not simply treat symptoms, but rather to treat the root cause of their ailments.
Have a posture awareness technique that you use every day? Tell us about it in the comments below.
