Aches and pains can come in a variety of forms, and from a slew of sources, regardless of your overall health or level of fitness. For many, muscle and joint discomfort may seem like it’s out of the blue, but in all reality, a simple issue is at play. Poor posture, which takes place when the muscles of the body are not adequately supporting the body’s frame, can happen to anyone. It may be the cause of aging or simply being unaware that good posture is lacking. Regardless of the reason poor posture is present, it can take a toll on the strength and health of your muscles and joints if it is not corrected.
The Results of Bad Posture
When bad posture is an ongoing issue, it can lead to more than an appearance problem. Having a misalignment of your spine puts pressure on your joints, bones, and muscles, leading to the following outcomes:
Poor circulation
Worsened arthritis
Exhaustion
Neck, back, and shoulder pain
Headaches
Breathing problems
Slipped discs
Misaligned vertebrae
Wear and tear on the joints
Recognizing When Posture is Off Balance
Most adults aren’t aware that bad posture is an issue for them, but there are tell-tale signs that your body is out of alignment even when pressing symptoms aren’t noticeable. First, slumped shoulders are a warning sign of bad posture. With the majority of adults working a desk or office job throughout the week, the long periods of looking down at a computer or device leads to a natural downward tilt of the head and rounded shoulders. If you have tension in your upper back, shoulders, or neck, this could be a sign of bad posture.
Similarly, an uneven weight distribution could be an indicator that your posture is off. When standing, favoring one leg over the other is a sign. If you don’t notice this naturally, having one shoe sole worn down more than the other may also mean weight distribution isn’t what it should be. Experiencing pain or tightness on one side of the body and not the other is also an indication that bad posture is at play.
How to Fix It
Correcting bad posture is not always an overnight success. Instead, it may require rewiring your body to stay in better alignment throughout each day. Chiropractic care can help, as regular adjustments and ongoing recommendations for better posture can keep your neck, shoulders, and Back healthy and strong. For at-home or at-work remedies on your own, take into consideration what you can do while sitting, standing, or sleeping.
Sitting posture – keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest and try not to cross your legs. A slight gap in between the back of the knees and front of the seat, while keeping knees at or below your hip level helps in promoting good posture while sitting.
Standing posture – weight should be focused on the balls of your feet and knees slightly bent while standing. Your arms should hang naturally, and your shoulders should be rolled Think about aligning your ears with your shoulders and try to balance your weight equally on both feet.
Sleeping posture – start with the right mattress that is not too soft or too firm. Having a good pillow also helps improve posture while resting, and try to avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you are a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned.
Getting back to good posture takes some time, but following these simple steps can make it easier to turn into a habit. If you find yourself slouching, favoring one side of the body more than the other, or your notice tension building up in your shoulders or neck, think about what you can do to correct your posture at home or at the office.