Stop Slouching!



office worker slouching over their desk while working.

Everyone, including your grandmother, who always reminded you to sit up straight, knows that good posture is essential. Good posture refers to having a neutral spine, where the muscle groups, joints, and ligaments are aligned in a way that reduces stress on them. It helps keep the body flexible, reduces fatigue, and helps maintain balance.

Just how important is good posture? Scientists and researchers have been investigating that question for years.  A growing body of evidence shows multiple problems caused by poor posture, some of which you may find surprising.  Not only does poor posture look bad, but it can be bad for our health according to Kale Panetti, NPI-Certified Posture Specialist of The National Posture Institute.

• Back pain

• Increased occurrences of heartburn

• Interference with digestion and constipation

• Cardiovascular health

• Decreased lung compacity

• Migraine headaches and dental issues

Practice good posture as much as possible. Sometimes, bad posture comes from muscle and flexibility imbalances. Simply trying to stand up straighter may not be enough. Rehabilitation programs can correct this problem.

Good posture isn’t something we always think about, but it’s a good time to start. 

Source:

“Posture.” Physiopedia. 27 Jun 2020. https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Posture&oldid=241809. Accessed 4 Dec 2020.

Topics, H. (2020). Guide to Good Posture: MedlinePlus. Retrieved 7 December 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/guidetogoodposture.html

Panetti, K. (2014). Importance of Posture Awareness. National Posture Institute. Retrieved 15 December 2020, from https://www.npionline.org/articles/importance-of-posture-awareness.htm

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