Bad posture means you’re placing undue stress on your back! Have you ever seen people who “hunch over” while working at their desk? Perhaps you’ve spent a day “hunched over” working in the garden… then you try to stand up and… ouch! Poor posture is not good. Here are some facts and tips on posture and corrective actions to take:
* Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles! The postural muscles include the hamstrings and large back muscles and they’re critically important in maintaining good posture. Poor posture can cause them to relax – not the good kind of relax, but the bad kind – and it can make your postural muscles more prone to injury and back pain.
* For many, posture is a habit! Normally, we aren’t conscious of our normal posture. When it comes to poor posture, what we’re really dealing with for many folks who don’t have underlying structural issues from trauma, scoliosis, degeneration, etc., are poor habits. Like biting your nails. Once you realize you’re practicing the habit of poor posture, you can practice the habit of good posture. Also chances are good that no one ever taught you what good posture looks like. I will in a moment.
* How do I stand properly? Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet. Keep your feet about shoulder width apart. Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward… and… tuck your stomach in.
* How do I sit properly? Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips. Don’t cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees. Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support, available at our office. Don’t slouch. Sometimes it helps to sit on the edge of your chair.
If your lower back or shoulder blades are feeling tender after a day at work, it might be time to come in and get evaluated. It’s your body’s way of saying “help!” Also I can show you some back supports that can help you feel better.
If you’d like to talk to me about YOUR posture related symptoms, please call, contact me, or come in under our 2 Free Appointments Program.… we’re here to help!
Dr. D.
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