Share:

Good posture isn’t only important for the sake of your appearance. It also plays a significant role in the health of your spine, which means that poor posture contributes to neck pain and other issues. This guide explains the many benefits of good posture and what you can do to improve yours. 

Why Good Posture Is So Important

There are numerous structures in your spine that must remain in balance to be properly supported. There are three curves in the spine, which are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These curves remain in balance when the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles are lined up correctly, which means bodyweight is distributed evenly among different structures. Proper alignment also reduces wear and tear on bodily components like muscles and joints.

How Bad Posture Causes Back & Neck Pain

Hunched shoulders put pressure on core muscles. The pressure causes stiffness throughout your body. It can also increase stress on spinal discs, as they’re not being properly supported by the core muscles. This causes discs to become inflamed or even herniated, which is when the spinal discs bulge out from between the vertebrae and put pressure on nearby nerves. 

Hunched shoulders also impact the structures in the neck. It’s estimated that an added 10 pounds of pressure are felt on the cervical spine for every inch the head dips lower. It can also result in strain, since the surrounding muscles must work harder to accommodate the neck as the head falls forward. 

How to Improve Your Posture

neck painEnsuring good posture takes effort, but certain movements can help call attention to your posture and allow you to take steps to improve it.

From a sitting or standing position, take a deep breath before exhaling slowly while tucking in your abdominal muscles. After pulling your muscles taut, relax your body, and let it rest in a natural position before repeating the process. 

You can also perform chin tucks from a seated position. Keep your feet flat on the floor with your shoulder pointed down. Lower your chin toward your neck and hold for five seconds. On five, relax your chin. Repeat the exercise for the best results.

 

Along with correcting bad posture, a chiropractor can also help you address pain issues. For the past three decades, Stroud Chiropractic Clinic has provided safe, effective care to patients throughout Archdale, NC. They treat a variety of spinal ailments, including sports injuries, headaches, and neck pain. They also offer same-day appointments in case you’re experiencing a particularly painful or disruptive issue. Call (336) 434-2107 to schedule a free consultation or visit them online for a complete list of services.

tracking