Chiropractic Tips for Better Posture

How often do you think about your posture? Do you catch yourself slouching and immediately try to fix it to only return to slouching five minutes later? Maintaining good posture can be difficult, especially if the majority of your day is spent sitting in front of a screen. This is probably most of us. We do not consciously maintain our posture; instead, certain muscles do it for us. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining our posture. 

A healthy posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Having the correct posture may also:

• Help keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly
• Reduce the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
• Allow muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.
• Help prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

We all know maintaining good posture is good for our overall well-being, but it can still be hard to achieve. Below are a few chiropractic tips to help you get to a better posture.

Stretching 

Stretching is fundamental. It keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. It helps to relieve pain and tension all along your spine, neck, and shoulders. Its relaxing effect on your body also helps to loosen up tight lower back muscles, promoting flexibility and blood circulation along the spine.

Use Tools

There are a lot of good tools out there to help you achieve better posture. If you’re looking for a traditional posture corrector that will fit under your clothes without being too noticeable or bulky, the Evoke Pro Back Posture Corrector is a good choice. If you are working at a desk for most of your day, try The Upright GO Posture Trainer. This is a wearable device that sticks to the center of your upper back with skin-safe adhesives. When your posture starts to slip, the device vibrates to remind you to straighten up. A Lumbar Pillow is another great tool that can help give your back some support if you’re office chair isn’t already doing so. 

Be Aware 

The first step to improving posture is becoming aware of how you stand, move, walk and sit. Pay attention to the spine and neck during the day. Consider keeping track of how often you slouch or crane the neck. When you feel your spine starts to curve, your shoulders hunch, or your back sway, stop and take a moment to pull your body back into proper alignment. Pretend that there is a string that goes through your entire body from the top of your head.

Go to the Chiropractor 

Chiropractors can recommend specific exercises designed to help the posture and strengthen the core. Chiropractors can also do spinal adjustments and other treatments that can help you focus on improving the posture. In addition, they can make suggestions about improving the ergonomics of your home or office.

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