As we slouch or hunch to get a closer look at our phone or laptop, our bodies and minds are suffering. In fact, bad posture has more or less become an epidemic in the United States, which is only exacerbated by our reliance on our smartphones and computers. Thankfully, you can improve your posture in just a few easy steps. Read below to learn all about bad posture and how a chiropractor may be able to help.
What Are the Effects of Bad Posture?
Despite the idea that poor posture is nothing more than a bad habit, research has indicated that our physical position can have significant impacts on overall health. Proper posture ensures your joints, bones, muscles, and ligaments are aligned and experience the least amount of stress as you move throughout your day. Correct posture has been associated with physical and mental benefits, such as improvements in mood and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. Studies have also suggested that bad posture can result in numerous consequences, such as worsening arthritis, poor circulation, fatigue, headaches, and worsened breathing. Take advantage of the benefits of correct posture and start improving your posture today!
How Do You Fix Bad Posture?
In most cases, bad posture occurs when we are not aware of the positioning of our bodies. No one sits hunched over or in an uncomfortable position on purpose, but our bodies may do this subconsciously. Being mindful of our posture is the first step towards improvement, and it’s easy to adjust your posture, whether you are sitting, standing, or lying down.
When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor with your legs uncrossed. Proper posture comes from sitting up straight, adjusting your chair to ensure low-and mid-back support, relaxing your shoulders as you sit, and avoiding the same position for an extended period of time.
For proper posture when standing, you should keep your weight on the balls of your feet with your knees slightly bent, set your feet shoulder-width apart, and shift your weight from foot to foot or from your toes to heels if you are standing for long periods.
And believe it or not, you can even have bad posture while you are lying down and sleeping. Experts recommend using a pillow, resting on a firm mattress, and avoiding sleeping on your stomach for proper posture when lying down.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Improve Posture?
Although each patient’s condition is unique, chiropractic treatment can address back pain that is related to bad posture in many cases. For life-long posture problems, mindfulness may not be enough to improve your posture. A chiropractor can offer individualized treatment and may be able to relieve back pain that causes bad posture with chiropractic adjustments. Contact the outstanding chiropractic staff at All American Healthcare for a consultation to determine if chiropractic treatment would be beneficial for you.
Although we may not be able to control chronic pain, we can control our posture. Improving your posture with help from a chiropractor may be the first step towards living a pain-free life.
The experienced staff at All American Healthcare cares about all aspects of your wellness. If you are experiencing neck or back pain related to bad posture, speak with one of the best chiropractors in Louisiana to develop a treatment plan that can help you live without pain. At All American Healthcare, we offer chiropractic therapy to meet every need, as well as sciatica pain relief programs, medical weight loss, and more. If you are struggling with chronic pain and are looking for relief, look no further than All American Healthcare.
