We’ve all done it. Sitting at a desk, dinner table, wherever it may be, and realizing we are in a slouch position. At the moment, there is a quick-adjust to straighter back, but it is easy to fall back into the previous seating arrangement. While it may seem like an annoying quirk, proper posture is pivotal to your orthopedic health.
At South Shore Orthopedics, we hear from patients struggling daily with back pain, exhaustion, and many other problems. Commonly, they realize their posture is also a problem. By recognizing the possible implications of bad posture, you can see the importance of working on it.
Bringing Proper Posture Into Your Every Day
Reduce Your Lower Back Pain
When you are sitting or standing in a slouched position often, you are putting unnecessary stress on your lower back. You may not realize that there is stress on the posterior structures of your spine. However, it can be challenging to sit with perfect posture for prolonged periods of time. A solution to this pain is also trying to move around about every 30 minutes. Working on your posture now can prevent this back pain from worsening.
Find Yourself Breathing Better
Slouching actually compresses your lungs. Your diaphragm cannot fully contract during this time. When practicing proper posture, your lungs have ample room to expand and let you breathe easier. Give it a chance and feel the difference between breathing in a slouched position over time and when trying to breathe correctly.
Avoid Disc Degeneration
When your posture is struggling, it can lead to disc degeneration. The tissue between the vertebrae gradually breaks down, even affecting the mobility of your spine. Degenerative disc disease is not a disease but a condition that causes pain. There are treatment options, but they can be time-consuming and expensive while working on your posture can dispel this with very little work.
Experience Better Workouts
You can have a better workout when not dealing with lower back pain, breathing troubles, and other implications of improper posture! Not only is there less pain, but there is better form because you are focused on alignment. This can even lead to better control over your core muscles. Whether you enjoy weight lifting, running, yoga, or anything in between, the proper posture can transform how you feel about performing these activities.
Increase Energy Levels
You may find it impossible to understand how something as simple as posture could affect energy levels, but it is true! Proper posture leaves your bones and joints in the correct alignment. They are being used as intended, meaning they can finish their jobs with less stress and effort.
Appear Even Taller
Proper posture has health benefits, but you may also appear differently. You can genuinely appear taller when you are standing up straight. One way to stay on top of your posture is to look at it in a mirror. You can see if you have proper posture as you look at various angles. You may see a difference you had not before! This also allows you to see if there is a change in height and look as you go from poor to good.
Don’t let your orthopedic health decline due to your posture. You can avoid experiencing the negative impacts of bad posture with a few adjustments. It is crucial to understand what could go wrong with improper posture. Are you experiencing back pain and want to find a solution? Our team is ready to help you find solutions with our treatment methods. Check out our website or call us at (781) 337-5555 for more information.