It might have frustrated you as a child when your parents told you to sit up straight and not to slump your shoulders, but there was a reason behind it. According to the chiropractors at Mid Rivers Chiropractic in Saint Peters, MO, your posture affects almost every part of your body, and practicing good posture can have benefits lasting well into old age. If you are prone to slouching, below are a few reasons why you might want to start paying more attention to your posture.

3 Benefits Chiropractors Say You Can Receive From Practicing Good Posture

1. Balanced Muscles

When you have poor posture, your body weight is carried unevenly on your muscles. This can cause some to be constantly tight and sore while others become weak from inactivity. If this is allowed to go on for a long time, you could develop chronic issues such as headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, or even fibromyalgia. Keeping your bones and joints in the correct alignment can ensure your muscles remain balanced and minimize the likelihood of these problems.

2. Improved Lung Capacity

There is a reason yoga, Pilates, and other meditative exercises focus so much on posture and breathing. Whether seated or standing, poor posture can put restrictions on how your lungs move and restrict how much air flow you receive, which will limit how much energy you have. Much of this cramping comes simply from the way you sit. To improve your breathing remember to sit on your buttocks and never your tailbone. If you have a desk job, try to take periodic walks to avoid getting stiff. Also, try to keep your head in line with your tailbone.

3. Fewer Health Complications

If bad posture is not remedied, it can lead to one or more health problems in the future. Practicing good posture protects your spine from curving and putting unnecessary pressure on bones, joints, and muscles. In turn, you’ll be less likely to develop complications like slipped discs, poor blood circulation, and cardiovascular disease.

After a lifetime of slouching, good posture will not occur overnight. For the best help to correct your spinal alignment, contact the chiropractors at Mid Rivers Chiropractic today by calling (636) 279-1400. For more information about their chiropractic treatment, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.