Good posture helps prevent back problems. In fact, good posture is so important to good spinal health, a patient’s posture is one of the first signs a chiropractor notes.
WHAT IS GOOD POSTURE?
Spinal balance is the key. Generally, in the standing posture, balance occurs when the inward curve of the lower spine is reasonably shallow, the head is directly above the sacrum and the curves of the spine contribute to balance rather than detract from balance. Good posture also demands a level pelvis. As the body bends, flexes, sways and so on — in its everyday movements – good posture is attained and maintained by the muscles and ligaments of the spine with little or no attention by the individual.
POOR POSTURE
By exerting undue stress on the back’s muscles, ligaments and the spine itself, poor posture is a major cause of back pain, back problems and other health problems.
WHAT IS POOR POSTURE?
Lack of balance is the key. Stooped shoulders, sunken chest, protuberant abdomen, restricted spinal movement and swayback typify poor posture.
SITTING AND SLEEPING AFFECT POSTURE
Among other factors, posture is influenced by your usual sitting and sleeping positions.
Since sitting and sleeping probably occupy far more of your time than standing, improper sitting and sleeping positions substantially contribute to poor posture and back problems.
SLEEPING
SITTING
Surprisingly, faulty sitting increases the load on your lower back more so than standing. Here are a few sitting tips:
BREAKING THE CYCLE
Poor health and poor posture are often subtly intertwined in a vicious cycle that calls for a thorough chiropractic examination designed to determine the underlying cause. Chiropractic’s record in the treatment of postural and related back problems is enviable.
HOME-STYLE POSTURE TEST
NOTE: This home posture test, done without the benefit of a chiropractic examination, is not meant to be definitive.
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