Your posture influences your mood, self-esteem and how others perceive you. It also supports your body’s healthy function and structural integrity.
A chiropractor can help with a wide range of postural problems, including forward head posture (also known as text neck). They use adjustments, exercises and ergonomic recommendations to help you make permanent improvements in your posture.
Stretching
A chiropractor will use a combination of muscle releases and exercises to improve the posture of weak muscles. This may include stretches like chest openers and shoulder rolls to relieve tension from tight muscles that pull on the spine and cause poor posture.
Good posture, also known as a neutral spine, is important for more than just preventing back pain and injury. It also has a positive impact on our mood, self-image, and how we are perceived by others. In addition, research suggests that proper posture increases energy levels and can even prevent chronic health problems such as digestive issues.
Whether you have long-term poor posture or just want to maintain better alignment, the best approach is to use muscle releases, stretches and deliberate exercises that work in tandem with strength training. This will ensure that the weaker muscles have a chance to grow stronger while the overactive muscles are given a break, reducing tension and improving posture for the long term.
It is important to note that although stretching can be helpful in reversing the effects of poor posture, some stretching exercises can be dangerous, especially if performed incorrectly. Some common mistakes include using too much force, holding the stretch for too little time, or performing exercises that put strain on joints and ligaments. For this reason, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a licensed and trained chiropractic professional before starting a postural improvement program.
Strengthening
Posture refers to the body’s alignment and positioning. Essentially, good posture helps maintain the natural curves of your spine and keeps gravity from working against you. But over time, bad posture can lead to muscle and bone problems. Exercise and other lifestyle activities, with guidance from a Dandenong chiro can improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support it
Poor posture is often caused by habitual and repetitive movements, which create tightness or weakness in specific muscles that pull your body out of alignment. Over time, these imbalances can increase the likelihood of injury and affect how well you move during workouts.
For instance, slouching at a desk for long periods of time can cause your spinal muscles to get tight and weaken, causing you to activate the wrong muscles while exercising, which leads to strain and injury. This can also decrease your range of motion, resulting in a lack of balance and stability, Gagliardi says.
To combat this, try practicing exercises that strengthen the core and upper back. A few examples include plank pose, which stretches and strengthens the shoulders and back, child’s pose, which stretches and lengthens the lower spine, and the lunge, which stretches and strengthens the hips and glutes. You can also reduce stress on the neck and shoulders by regularly adjusting your head position to prevent “text neck.” This means keeping it in a neutral position, not tilted down or up.
Reducing Tension
Posture may not seem like the most important health factor to focus on, but it can have a huge impact on how you feel and how well your body functions. Poor posture can lead to muscle, joint and ligament strain, as well as a decrease in energy levels. It can also affect your mood and confidence, making you more likely to feel stressed and anxious.
A chiropractor can help improve your posture through a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, stretching exercises and strength training. Spinal manipulation uses a controlled force to improve the alignment of the spine and reduce tension in muscles and ligaments. This can have a huge effect on posture, helping you stand taller and sit straighter.
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help you build the muscle and joint strength you need to improve your posture. This is especially helpful if you’ve been sitting or standing for long periods of time. It’s important to remember that it will take some time to correct years of bad posture, so be patient and keep practicing your new routine.
Good posture is a combination of mechanics and muscle, which means you need to work on both the bones and muscles that provide support and stability. By making small changes to the way you sit, stand and lie down, you can make a big difference in your posture and overall health.
Deliberate Exercises
Poor posture can put strain on muscles and bones, leading to long-term injuries and reducing flexibility and range of motion. With manual techniques, chiropractic can reset the bones and joints into a healthier position, easing pain and improving overall alignment. However, good posture requires active participation from the individual as well. A chiropractor can provide guidance and education, but it’s important for individuals to commit to posture awareness and incorporate recommended exercises into daily routines.
For instance, slouching interferes with the digestive system, which can lead to acid reflux and constipation. Additionally, slouching compresses the lungs and can impact breathing and lung capacity. It also has a negative impact on mood and may contribute to depression.
In addition to spinal adjustments, a chiropractor may use deliberate exercises, stretches and muscle releases to help correct posture problems. These exercises are designed to relax overused muscles and allow weaker muscles to strengthen. Combined with proper ergonomics, these techniques can provide a holistic approach to improving posture and overall health.
Despite the common misconception, it is never too late to address posture problems. Though progress will take longer for those with long-standing issues, consistent effort can still yield positive results and improve quality of life. With professional guidance, regular exercise and the commitment to posture awareness, individuals can reduce discomfort and increase confidence, even in advanced age.