The Secret Power of Your Posture

Post by: Dr. Paul Calladine (Chiropractor)

Lyons Road Family Chiro

With today’s high-tech world leading to an increase in sedentary lifestyles, we need to once more look to the importance of posture and the positive benefits this can bring to our lives.

As a chiropractor, I know that posture has an effect on both your body’s physical function as well as your overall health. In my two decades as a primary healthcare practitioner I have documented, assessed and worked to correct thousands of cases of poor posture. The effects of poor posture are well documented, ranging from physical symptoms such as muscle pain, restricted breathing and digestion, through to effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing.

When posture degrades to the point of becoming ‘stuck’, for many people this represents the ‘new normal’. In some cases, the body can’t self correct, leading to potential for various functions to be impacted. For example:

• A slouching posture may put pressure on the internal organs.
• A compressed rib cage may restrict breathing, oxygen flow and blood circulation.
• Poor posture may impact your confidence and contribute to self-esteem and body image issues.
• Chiropractors may help correct sway back posture

When your body is in an upright and natural posture, you breathe more fully, you are biomechanically balanced and better able to enjoy your favourite activities (sports, hobbies).

There is research that suggests good posture has a positive effect on mood, concentration and energy levels.

“Adopting an upright seated posture in the face of stress can maintain self-esteem, reduce negative mood, and increase positive mood compared to a slumped posture. Furthermore, sitting upright increases rate of speech and reduces self-focus” (1)

In my practice, I help patients to discover the benefits that chiropractic and improved posture can have on their health. After a series of adjustments (and time), I often observe patients to not only look better, but are able to move, bend and stretch better. Posture improvements can really give you a new outlook on life.

Tip 1: Sitting

If you sit behind a desk for long periods of time, such as at work or studying, try taking a ten-minute break every hour. Stand up, stretch your legs, move around and get active. When sitting, if your office chair is adjustable, try tilting your seat so it’s lower at the front and slightly higher at the back. This lifts your bottom above your knees and positions the spine in an upright and relaxed S-curve.

Tip 2: Standing and Walking

Be aware of your posture while standing and walking. Engage your stomach muscles, take long, even strides and hold your head up. When standing still, don’t slouch, lean on things or shift your weight onto one leg.

Tip 3: Sleeping

Given that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, it’s important to be aware of your sleeping posture. Aim to lay on your back and support your spine with a firm mattress. Try a chiropractic pillow or a rolled up hand towel placed under the curve of your neck instead of your ordinary pillow. I can tell you more about your sleeping posture, come in for a consultation today.

Tip 4: Regular Activity

To help support good posture, be sure to include regular exercise sessions throughout your week. Activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga and pilates work well with your regular chiropractic adjustments. Remember to stretch before, and after, exercise.

Tip 5: Chiropractic Care

A thorough chiropractic evaluation may determine whether your posture is contributing to symptoms such as back pain, discomfort, restricted breathing and/or poor biomechanics. The team at Lyons Road Family Chiro are trained in the management of posture cases.

References

1. Nair, Shwetha; Sagar, Mark; Sollers III, John; Consedine, Nathan; Broadbent, Elizabeth, 2015. ‘Do slumped and upright postures affect stress responses? A randomized trial.’ Health Psychology, Vol 34(6), Jun 2015, 632-641. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hea0000146