Monday, October 23, 2017
How to Develop Better Posture
One of the most common complaints about posture is neck pain. Poor posture can lead to fatigued and strained muscles resulting in injury over time. Typically, we do not focus on posture, or how we sit, until neck pain is present.
A slumped or slouched posture is typically the most common posture as we slouch into the chair resulting in a forward head position. The head and neck protrude forward in front of our shoulders, our low back becomes rounded as well, leading to prolong weight bearing of the head and neck in a forward posture. Over time, we acclimate to sitting with this posture, again and again, creating poor postural habits and possibly leading to neck pain.
“An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure…”
By establishing good postural habits, the risk for straining the head and neck lessens. This encourages us to be proactive with our health rather than reactive to pain. In times of good health, it is important to develop, maintain, or progress good habits. Posture like most things in life is habitual.
Changing Posture is as Simple as Being Reminded Periodically to Sit Appropriately.
How to Sit:
• Use chairs that directly reflect your height
• Be able to sit with your butt and back touching the backrest of the chair, and your feet resting equally on the ground
• Have your feet positioned slightly wider than your hip width
• Utilize a small lumbar roll or towel for your low back
• Ensure your head is over your shoulders
• Be relaxed, not overly passive or overly active with your sitting posture
Tips to Remind Yourself to Sit Appropriately
Adjust your posture when the following occurs:
• Every time you receive a phone call, text message, or email
• Someone says your name
• When the clock is on the hour (1:00, 2:00, 3:00, etc).
So, practice better postural habits with these reminders. Help yourself adapt new postural habits with these quick tips. Remember be proactive to your health rather than reactive to pain.
