Why Should You Care about Good Posture?

Chiropractor Chapel Hill, NC

The words ‘good posture’ may conjure feelings of frustration because we’ve all been told to stand tall, not to slouch, and to use better posture. We hear this from well-meaning people- our parents, grandparents, teachers, even friends, and possibly a coach. But when we’re working hard on a project or relaxing and watching a game, movie, or reading a book, or working on a computer or a phone, we’re not focused on posture – we’re focused on the thing in front of us. So, how and why should we work on good posture?

‘Good posture’ is posture that ensures optimal movement without undue strain. When we stand with our ears, shoulders, and hips in a line, our knees slightly bent, our feet flat on the ground, chest lifted, and head elevated to chin level, this posture balances the impact of gravity throughout our body. Additional considerations include standing with relaxed shoulders and a straight back to maintain the natural S-curve of the spine. While sitting, strive to avoid poor posture by keeping the spine in as natural a position as possible without slouching. Hold the head upright with the chin slightly tucked in, and avoid tilting the head forward or backward, while relaxing the shoulders and keeping them level. Rest the arms on armrests with elbows at a 90-degree angle, and sit with the feet flat on the floor, the knees at a slightly bent angle.

Our posture determines, to a large extent, how well our spinal bones stack one on top of the other. Vertebral alignment matters because each person’s backbone forms the attachment site for numerous muscles, large and small, that enable us to move freely. Misalignment creates muscle tightness and weakness. Additionally, the spine protects the all-important spinal cord- anything that impacts posture has the potential to affect the spinal cord and the small nerves emanating from the cord through iVFs between vertebral segments. Undue pressure on nerves impairs their ability to transmit vital information back and forth between body parts. Symptoms ranging from back or neck pain, headaches, shoulder and hand discomfort, hip, knee, and foot pain can all stem from vertebral subluxation associated with faulty posture.

Faulty posture also impacts respiration and digestion. The collarbone, or clavicle, assists in the act of respiration, moving slightly up and down with each full inhalation and exhalation. Additionally, the thoracic vertebrae and attached ribs expand and contract when we breathe in and out. Poor posture impedes this natural movement- rounded shoulders and anterior head carriage keep the clavicle from elevating on inspiration, and a slouched back reduces diaphragmatic movement and hinders thorax rib movement. The stomach, intestines, pancreas, and liver organs of digestion depend on normal body movement, nerve flow, and respiration- faulty posture impacts all these.

Other considerations include how our posture affects our good looks, how we present ourselves, and how confident we are. Studies show that good posture attracts people in part because it makes us appear more confident, stand taller, and move more freely.

At Acupractic Natural Healing Center, the chiropractic and acupuncture offices of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay in Chapel Hill, NC, we love helping people look and feel better with natural, hands-on chiropractic adjustments. Call 919-929-1400 or visit us online acudocnc.com today to schedule a wellness spinal check or to schedule an appointment for back pain care. Serving the Triangle since 1995 with gentle, effective care.