May is the Month to Correct Your Posture!
Here at Shields Chiropractic, we believe in practicing great posture all year round. But May is Correct Posture Month, so we thought it would be the perfect time for a little posture refresher.
WHY IS PROPER POSTURE IMPORTANT?
Good posture helps us sit, stand, walk, and even lie while putting the least strain possible on the supporting muscles and ligaments. When you maintain proper posture, you help maintain correct alignment of the bones and joints, which reduces the risk of arthritis and joint pain while allowing the muscles to work more efficiently. Proper posture also helps to prevent fatigue, muscle strain, and back pain.
There are many factors that can contribute to poor posture, including weak or tight muscles, obesity, stress, and improper footwear. Inflexibility and a poorly designed workstation are also common contributing factors.
Now that you have a better understanding about the importance of proper posture, let’s discuss the best ways to maintain good posture throughout the day.
STAND FOR BETTER POSTURE
To stand with great posture, start by maintaining most of your body weight on the balls of your feet with your knees slightly bent. Let your arms hang naturally at your side while you stand straight and tall. Keep your tummy tucked in and your shoulders back.
SIT WITH BETTER POSTURE
When you are seated, your feet should touch the floor. If your legs aren’t quite long enough, invest in a footrest. Use your chair’s backrest to support your lower and middle back, and keep your shoulders relaxed with your forearms in line with the ground. You also want to try to avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Be sure to get up, stretch, and move around at least once every hour.
LIE FOR BETTER POSTURE
This might seem silly, but your posture is even important when you sleep. A key element of this is finding the right mattress. Whether it is firm, soft, or somewhere in the middle go with what works best for you. Make sure you sleep with a pillow and try to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it unnecessarily forces you to twist your neck.
If you’d like more information on the importance or proper posture and how to maintain it, just ask during your next adjustment or contact us today!