Posture goes beyond the way you position your body when sitting or standing: an activity performed with proper posture allows the body to utilize its total mechanical advantage, reducing the chance of injury. To this end, it also influences and creates the strains that you put on your body. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we want people to be aware of how posture and movement can underwrite a better life.
We are living in an era of human-screen interface in which both parties suffer degradation. The only difference being that, once your device reaches its life span, you can upgrade to the newer, better product. This is not the case with the human: 21st century habits are pushing forward the shelf lives of our spines, and there is no upgrade available. Saying, “I just can’t help it,” as you slouch on the couch, is a dangerous attitude: giving in to this mentality is setting yourself up for a future full of back pain. Poor posture is pervasive: it strains the muscles, joints and ligaments which are working to support our whole body. This can lead to a host of injuries including general back pain, herniated discs, sciatica and respiratory problems. Furthermore, poor posture reflects your mood and projects a diffident attitude.
There are many causes for poor posture: for most, it is reinforced as we let our bodies grow lazy. But for some, it can be caused by a debilitating spinal injury that prevents them from standing up straight without immense pain. Strength of the postural muscles, and spinal flexibility are important factors in good posture.
We want you to start standing and sitting well, stretching and sleeping productively, and listening to the warning signs of your body. If you need help installing good postural habits in your life, or addressing the muscular imbalances and pain that have left you with a stooped, unhealthy posture, call our offices in New Jersey: in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.
