The definition of posture is how your body is positioned when you are standing, sitting, or lying down. It is also the result of habits that have been created over the years. Having good posture is vital for good health, yet many people do not realize that they may have poor posture.
Good posture refers to the correct alignment of your body when standing or sitting. The right positioning includes teaching yourself to hold your body against gravity with the slightest strain and pressure on supportive structures. This includes your muscles and ligaments. The correct posture helps keep your bones and joints in the best alignment and lessens the wear and tear on those supportive structures.
The following are reasons why good posture is important and ways that can help you improve your own posture.
Reduces Back Pain and Neck Pain
When your spine is properly aligned, you are able to move more easily which allows your body to support your weight without pressure. When you have poor posture, your tendons, muscles, and ligaments experience stress which can lead to neck and back pain.
Improves Muscle and Joint Function
Your muscles and other structures are benefited by the use of good posture because they function more properly. When functioning properly, this helps you to avoid abnormal wear and tear. If you have improper posture, it puts tension on your joints, causing them to wear away. This can cause osteoarthritis, which is a form of “wear and tear” arthritis. There are other reasons for developing arthritis; however, how you carry your body is a big factor in the amount of tension that is put on your joints. Allowing your body to stay aligned in the correct posture position can decrease the amount of strain and fatigue your muscles feel and helps keep your joints healthy and lubricated.
Boosts Mood
Many people would not make a connection between posture and mood. However, your brain and body have a two-way communication system, which means that your mood can influence your posture and your posture can affect your mood. For instance, when you are happy, you might notice that you sit up, but when you are feeling sad, you might notice you are more likely to slouch. The next time you notice your mood spiraling downward, try changing your posture and you might notice a change in your mood.
Improves Spine Health
Having the proper posture is one of the easiest ways to have a healthy spine. It might take some time and practice, but having the correct posture does provide the back with the right support. This is especially important to keep in mind if you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair or standing throughout the day. When you have the proper alignment while sitting and standing, it allows for an improvement in your blood flow, allows for your nerves and blood vessels to be healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If you make it a habit of using proper posture, then you will be less likely to experience back and neck related pain.
Back pain is a very common complaint, but no one should have to endure the discomfort that it can cause. North County Pain Relief can offer a variety of treatments that can help relieve any back and neck pain you may be experiencing. Call us today at (314) 731-4202 so we can find the root cause of your pain and help bring you relief.
