Improve Your Posture, Improve Your Quality of Life

Many people are looking to improve their posture and often ask the web or their chiropractor how to go about achieving it. But the answer isn’t really as straightforward as you may think. Posture is dependent upon the person and can vary greatly.

Sometimes it’s about the spine, sometimes it’s about the neck, sometimes it’s about inactivity, or maybe it’s about all of that. The good news is that once you know what it takes to improve your posture, you have what you need to ensure it stays that way.

This post will go over:

Why your posture is important
Symptoms and conditions connected with poor posture
Chiropractic solutions to help improve your posture
Tips for good posture
And more

From sitting to sleeping to standing, your posture is relevant to your body’s function. Let’s get your posture where it should be.

Do I Have Poor Posture?

As we mentioned above, determining whether you have poor posture takes a bit of research about you, your lifestyle, and how your body functions and supports you.

Good posture is important because when we’re balanced and aligned:

Circulation of healthy blood and oxygen improves
Blood vessels are healthier
Nerves are healthier and safer
The soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues) are protected and supported
Pain, discomfort, incorrect movement patterns, and injuries are less frequent
Abnormal wear and tear on the joints is less frequent
The spine is prevented from becoming unnaturally aligned
Less stress is put upon ligaments and other soft tissues surrounding the spine
Muscle strain is less frequent
Soft tissues and the spine are used efficiently
Arthritis is less of a risk
Back pain and neck pain are less frequent

For these reasons, good posture is something we should all strive for. But if it affects us all differently, how do we do that?

Working with a chiropractor to get an assessment will help you understand how your body is working to support you. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to interpret the body’s spine, soft tissues, and joints (the musculoskeletal system) and will devise a treatment plan to ensure they all perform as they’re supposed to.

When these elements of the musculoskeletal system become damaged, posture can be affected.

Common reasons for poor posture include:

Sitting at a computer for work all day
Standing all day for work
Device use
Muscle weakness
Injury, such as strains, sprains, inflammation
Stress, anxiety, fatigue
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
Improper or poor footwear

Conditions and Symptoms Related to Poor Posture

Your posture should be considered while sitting, lying down, and standing. Most of us want to be comfortable, and for some, that means slouching or sitting for long periods or working from the sofa, but doing these things can actually make you more uncomfortable in the long run.

Common issues that may arise from poor posture include:

Muscle weakness or tenseness
Muscles changing in length and feel
Arthritis
Slouching shoulders
Poor blood flow
Poor oxygen flow and difficulty breathing
Head protruding forward
Chronic headaches
Jaw pain
Back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain
Inability to sleep or insomnia
Inability to focus
Stress, depression, mood swings

Poor posture may lead to further inactivity due to fatigue or pain caused by body imbalances. When in pain, the body wants us to provide it with the relief it needs to support you.

Chiropractic Services to Improve Your Posture

Chiropractic methods can help your body find the balance it’s yearning for with safe and trusted techniques that have been used for centuries. When you work with an experienced chiropractor, you get in-clinic solutions, take-home strengthening plans, and education and guidance to help you maintain a healthy body.

Common chiropractic treatments for posture include:

Good posture tips to keep in mind include:

When at your desk, don’t slump forward
Set up your workstation correctly
Consider how your neck is positioned when on a handheld device (text neck)
Don’t put the back of your car seat back too far; sit up straighter
Give your feet a break from the high heels
Use a firm mattress
Keep your head level with your spine when you sleep
Stand up tall

One of the most significant ingredients in good posture is strong and flexible muscles in the back, chest, and core, so strength-building is always a great choice.

It’s important to have confidence in your performance, which means your body should be strong and supportive to handle the pressures you place on it. Your posture plays a pivotal role in your daily routine, so don’t take it for granted.

Postural Support in St. Louis

Our St. Louis chiropractic clinic is here to help you live pain-free and actively. With our guidance and solutions, you can correct your posture and get the tools to continue those good results. Let us help secure your body so you can return to things you love.

Plus, good posture just makes you look better, so let’s make it happen. Contact our chiropractic team today.