How to Fix Poor Posture
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as many as 90% of Australians suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, while an estimated 1.8 million Australians are currently dealing with back pain. Your posture is a big factor in whether you will experience back pain, and improving your posture will minimize your risk of back pain.
Poor posture is most often caused by a misalignment of the spine. When the vertebrae are misaligned, pain, muscle tightness, joint swelling, nerve interference, and numbness or tingling can result.
Poor posture is a huge problem. Our modern lifestyles and habits have tremendous impact on the spine. The more time we spend using computers, phones, and other handheld devices, the more back pain, neck pain, and headaches occur. When you push your head forward, such as when using handheld devices, you place excess pressure on your neck and upper back, which can lead to early symptoms of arthritis in the neck.
At Eastern chiropractic, we can check your posture and correct any spinal misalignments that may be contributing to poor posture. We can also recommend exercises that will strengthen your core muscles to help you maintain good posture.
Here are some things you can do to improve your spine health:
- Sit up tall
Sitting properly, particularly when using an electronic device, is vital to keeping your spine healthy. Your workstation should be set up to encourage good posture. Your computer monitor should be raised to eye level so that you don’t look down at the screen. Adjust your chair so that your elbows are at a 90° angle when you use your keyboard and your feet should rest flat on the floor. If your feet don’t reach the floor, use a stool or something else to rest your feet on.
- Drink plenty of water
When you get dehydrated, there is less fluid in the discs between your vertebrae. This can lead to bulging or even ruptured disc, and increases your risk of injury.
- Stay active
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an athlete or just taking a daily walk, exercise keeps your joints moving. It can also help you keep your weight under control, so is there is less stress on your bones.
- Stretch every day
Regular stretching helps improve your range of motion and your spine and other joints. This helps your body bend and move and reduces your risk of injury
- Lift safely
Whether you’re lifting a heavy box or just picking up miscellaneous items on the floor, stay aware of the position of your body. Always bend at the knees, keeping your spine straight, and lift with your legs. If you are lifting something heavy, keep the weight close to your body and avoid twisting.
- Sleep on your side
Sleeping on your stomach can put added stress on your back. It is possible to change your sleep position, but it may take some work. Try using a body pillow to support your body.
- Stay aware
Pain and discomfort are your body’s way of saying something is wrong. Don’t ignore these signals. A problem caught early is usually easier to deal with.
- Practice good posture
Practice good posture in a mirror or against a wall. The more you practice, the more you know what good posture feels like, and the more aware you’ll be when your posture is slipping.
For more information on how proper posture can improve your spine health or on how to improve your posture, call Eastern Chiropractic now on 9857 4503 to arrange an appointment to see how we can help.