Whether you’re sitting, standing, or lying down, maintaining correct posture is essential. When your body isn’t held in the right position, you place unnecessary pressure on joints and muscles. While daily habits can get in the way of perfect posture, chiropractors recommend many different ways to correct your form and avoid common problems—such as neck and back pain.

5 Ways to Improve Your Posture

1. Practice Proper Form

Always stand straight and tall with your stomach tucked in and your shoulders lifted back. Stand shoulder-width apart and hold most of your weight on the balls of your feet. If you’re static, hold your head level and relax your arms to hang by your sides. If you find yourself adjusting your stance too much, consider switching to shoes that offer better support and balance.

2. Adjust Your Desk

The American Chiropractic Association recommends using a chair that fully supports your lower back to maintain the spine’s natural curve. The chair should also have armrests that allow you to relax your shoulders and elbows. If using a computer, the monitor should be at eye level so that you can hold your neck correctly. It’s also important to keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs.

3. Use Support Devices

Retraining your body to hold a proper posture can be difficult—especially if you are recovering from an injury or experiencing back pain. That’s why chiropractors often recommend using support devices—such as cervical pillows that hold your neck properly as you sleep or lumbar support pads that keep your lower back aligned as you sit.  

4. Stay Active

Maintaining an active fitness routine can help strengthen muscles to better support your body, as well as reduce back pain. Daily stretching of your entire body will also help keep joints and tissues flexible so that you have an easier time holding a correct posture.

5. Visit a Chiropractor

With a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can provide an in-depth assessment of your posture and offer personalized tips to help correct your form.  If chronic pain or immobility is affecting your posture, these doctors can safely and effectively manipulate joints and tissues to help you achieve proper alignment.

When your posture needs a pick-me-up, turn to Smith Chiropractic Clinic in Concord, NC, to correct your form. Committed to providing individualized care, Dr. Andy Smith will fully assess your symptoms and posture to develop a personalized treatment plan for relief. In addition to postural assessment and correction, this chiropractic clinic uses the latest techniques and tools to address common health issues—such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, and physical injuries. To learn more about what this Concord, NC chiropractor can do for your health, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call (704) 788-3126.