A Simple Guide To Good Posture

With office work and sitting becoming a bigger and bigger part of our everyday lives, it is crucial to maintain a good posture to ensure we are not straining our bodies. Proper posture is a lot more than standing up straight to look confident and composed.

Slouching and hunching can lead to misalignments in your spine. In turn, this may cause neck, shoulder and back pain, muscle strains and decreased flexibility.

Achieving the perfect posture requires dedication and persistence, but with these tips, you’ll be on the right track to success.

The Importance of Maintaining Good Posture

Good posture is essential for blood circulation and joint, bone, and muscle support. When there is a misalignment, the whole body starts to suffer because of an imbalance in weight distribution.

When other parts of the body start to compensate for poor posture, some areas might be under too much pressure that will cause early wear and tear. Ultimately, this scenario can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal issues.

Tip #1: Keep Your Shoulders Back

Firstly, it is crucial to be mindful of your posture at all times and avoid slouching and hunching. Along with keeping your spine straight while sitting and standing, keeping your shoulders back is equally imperative.

Rounded shoulders are one of the most common postural defects and are usually the beginning of other poor posture habits. Neck and upper back pain are exceedingly frequent with rounded shoulders.

We tend to hold a lot of stress by hunching our shoulders. Whenever you’re sitting or standing, be mindful of your shoulder alignment. Bring your shoulders away from your ears and let your shoulder blades slide back to meet each other on your back. 

Tip #2: Stretch Regularly

Despite keeping your body straight and being mindful of your posture, it’s normal to become tired and start slouching when sitting for long periods.

Stand up for every 30 minutes of sitting and stretch the muscles of your upper body. Stretch your neck, shoulders, wrists and back to enhance blood circulation and prevent strains. It can be hard to remember when to get up and stretch, so if you’re at your desk working, you may want to set a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to stand up. 

Tip #3: Follow Ergonomic Practices

Apart from being mindful about keeping a good posture, setting up an ergonomic space in your home and office is equally decisive for your musculoskeletal health.

Your best bet would be to pick up an ergonomic chair with an adjustable height, back, seat, arms and headrest to make yourself comfortable while sitting.

Additionally, make sure you’re sleeping on a quality mattress that will promote good posture.

Tip #4: Stay Active

Even if you’ve set up the ultimate ergonomic space at your desk, staying physically active when outside the office is critical. Focus on strengthening the muscles around your back, abdomen and pelvis. Yoga, tai chi and pilates are among the best, low-impact options.

An inactive lifestyle has the potential to weaken your back muscles and make maintaining good posture even more difficult.

Tip #5: Visit a Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a certified professional who uses various non-invasive methods to prevent or fix any existing misalignments and other musculoskeletal issues.

Paying regular visits to a chiropractor can significantly reduce your risk of suffering from strains and joint and muscle pain associated with poor postural habits.

Experiencing chronic pain can be a warning sign requiring careful examination. In the hands of a specialist, chiropractic treatment can work wonders for many conditions.

Schedule Your Next Appointment Today!

Start applying these simple tips, and in just a few months, you’ll start noticing a staggering change in your body posture. Whether you’re experiencing pain and stiffness or you would like to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic treatment, Dr. Kilian will be here for you!

Here at Kilian Chiropractic in Aldergrove, our highly specialized team carefully analyzes each patient’s needs and characteristics to propose a holistic treatment plan.

Look for a chiropractor no more! Call us at 604-856-7781 or book an appointment online.