How’s Your Posture?
When we hear of the word posture, sitting comes to our minds. Did you know however that posture has got everything to do with standing also? Posture basically is the position of the other body parts in relation to your limbs. When you stand therefore you still acquire a posture. Sitting posture is so important however because most people tend to sit in very improper positions that may affect the spine leading to a myriad of problems. Let us see how we should be postured and the effects of bad posture.
How to maintain a good posture
You can maintain a good posture by practicing on how to do it. Here are some ways of making sure that your posture is upright.
Use a good seat – always buy a seat that allows you back to be straight when you are working. Avoid slouching on the seat as this may cause your back to arch and affect the spine.
Work on a table – avoid working on the laps as this causes you to bend. Always work on the table and make sure also that a working table is made to the level it should be at.
Exercises – do exercises that mostly work on the back. You work with your doctor and therapist to know which exercises will help your back and limps maintain a good posture whenever you walk or sit.
Walk upright – when you walk, start by standing upright and holding your head and shoulders high. Then walk in that posture. That is the best walking posture.
Stand upright – to stand upright means that you place your back straight as you can and also your shoulders and head high. Stand like your back is placed against a wall.
Ask your friends to be your critics – friends are an available resource we have at our disposal. Always use this resource well. Ask your friends to correct your posture problems when they identify any.
Effects of poor posture
Back pains – these will be caused by arching of the spine. When the spine arches the body will experience lower or upper back pains depending on the level where the spine arches.
Neck pains – these can be caused by poor posture especially when working with your laptop. Always use a table to work and not your laps.
Getting tired quickly – when you maintain a poor posture you overwork some parts of your body more than others. The overworked parts cause you to generally get tired quickly since your body is not in sync.
Joint problems – poor posture may overwork some of your joints leading to problems. Make sure that you lift weights in the proper posture to avoid these problems.
Correcting posture problems
If you get problems due to poor posture consult a chiropractor who will treat the problem. After that, you will be required to take some simple exercises that will help with correcting the posture problem. These exercises can be enquired from the therapist.
As you read this article what posture are you seated in?
