Is It Time You Fixed Your Posture?

 

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Our posture is the way in which we compose our body while standing up or sitting down. Adopting a poor posture can gradually push the spine out of shape and can lead to back pain, neck pain and headaches in the long run. This is why it’s important to adopt a good posture.

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This post explains more about what good posture looks like and how to fix it.

Signs you need to fix your posture

If you already suffer from unexplained back pain or neck pain, poor posture could be a possible root cause. Actions such as leaning forward while at a desk or bending your back while lifting heavy objects can lead to spinal issues. Such issues may need to be treated by doctors or chiropractors, however fixing your posture could help.

Poor posture is something that people may comment on. Hunching your shoulders forward or sticking your bottom out as you walk are obvious signs of poor posture that people may pick up on. 

What is the perfect posture?

Good posture while standing involves keeping your back straight and head up. Your head shouldn’t be jutting forward. Similarly your bottom shouldn’t be sticking out. Your shoulders should be square but relaxed. Try to keep an equal amount of weight on each leg when standing. 

When sitting, much of the same rules apply, you should try to keep your back straight and head up - avoid leaning forward as you sit. Your body shouldn’t be twisted - your body should be facing the same direction as your knees. Your feet should be flat on the floor or resting on a footrest. 

How to fix your posture

Our posture is something we adopt without thinking, so it can be quite hard to fix. You should try to make an effort to consider your posture at all times of the day and then readjust your body if necessary. Over time, you’ll naturally start to adopt a better posture.

When it comes to things like sitting at a desk or driving, it’s important to make sure that your chair is set up correctly in order to encourage good posture. Your chair should be positioned at the right height so that you don’t have to lean forward and your back should be flat against the chair (when sitting at a desk, always use a chair with a backrest). This post offers more advice on how to adopt a healthy sitting posture at a desk. 

You can buy posture correctors that help to keep your back straight and shoulders square. These strap to your back and can be hidden under a shirt. Many people find that these products help.

Be careful of wearing high heels regularly as this will force you to adopt a poor posture. Wearing a heavy bag solely on one shoulder can also contribute to posture problems - try to swap shoulders or wear a backpack. If you’re overweight, you could also find that shedding a few pounds helps you to adopt a better posture.