Fixing Bad Posture Can Get You Rid Of Many Problems

As per a study by the National Institutes of Health in 2018, bad posture is the major culprit of the back problems that happens to over 80% of all Americans at some point in their lives.

These pains can negatively impact your health in the long run in many ways. There is no perfect definition of a good posture as there are no perfect bodies. Having said this, a good posture is the one with a neutral spine where your ligaments and joints are aligned in a proper manner that makes your body flexible and maintains balance.

Types of bad posture

Incorrect alignment leads to strain, neck or back pain, or sometimes injuries while doing exercise. Over a period of time, it can deter your self-confidence or general well-being. But what are a few examples of bad posture? Without further ado, let us begin!

Forward head carriage

Forward head carriage is the most common example of bad posture. Spending much time on smartphones or computers results in leaning your head forward. Aging can also cause this because you lose the muscle strength in your upper body as you age. Individuals having this posture usually tilt their heads back to look forward. It leads to strain on the muscles of the neck, sometimes causing muscle imbalances. Other names of forward head carriage are tech neck or nerd neck.

Slumped shoulders

Not taking eyes off from the screen for an extended period of time or sitting for long hours is the cause of slumped shoulders. Besides this, check how much your chest sticks out. Medical experts say that the further your shoulders come out, the more it depresses your chest. This results in tightening of the muscles in the neck and chest, thereby weakening them.

Hunchback

The medical term for hunchbacks is kyphosis. Commonly found in older women, it is a condition that affects over 3 million people every year in the US alone. In this condition, you witness an abnormal forward curvature in the upper back. With the help of expert diagnosis, it can be treated well. And if you ignore it, it can lead to significant spinal deformity.

Flat feet

The arches in the foot collapse in the flat feet and alter the biomechanics of your body. The changes in these arches lead to increased pressure on the joints, ultimately resulting in pain. You will be surprised to know that nearly 25% of the US population have flat feet.

How does bad posture affect my health?

These were some of the examples of poor posture which can affect you in the long run. But how does it affect your overall health? Let us find out!

Poor circulation

Do you know that prolonged sitting prevents your body from getting the necessary circulation? It can also lead to varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen and large veins that usually emerge on the feet and legs. This condition occurs when the valves in the veins do not function properly. As a result, it affects the blood flow. Experts advise doing little movements in between the day and making postural changes helps in better posture.

Affect mood

Researchers say that bad posture has a negative impact on your mood. On the other hand, good posture has a positive effect on you and also reduces fatigue. As per a study, 74 people were randomly assigned a task. They were asked to either sit slumped or upright. With that posture, they were given a reading task and asked to recite a speech based on that. It was found out that people who sat upright have higher self-esteem, and they are more focused than the individuals who sat slumped.

Shoulder and back pain

Shoulders and back pain are the common issues faced if you have poor posture. The spinal muscles shorten and contract, leading to unhealthy tightness and lower back pain.

How do I fix bad posture?

As you can see how a bad posture can affect your overall health but is that all? You don’t want to have detrimental effects on your well-being, right? So, it is time to do something about it. With a few measures, you can beat these problems. What are those measures? Let us get started with it!

Straighten up

The best way to prevent posture problems is to stand up tall. You will not only look better but slimmer also. How to do that? Keep your head straight and tuck in your chin. Stand with your knees straight, and belly tucked in. Your hips should not stick out. Stand up as if your head is stretching towards the sky.

Pay attention while texting

Technology has overpowered us to such an extent that we do not focus on our surroundings. If you are the one who sticks to the screen or phone all day long, then spare a minute from your busy schedule to stretch your arms and neck. Tilting your head to check the messages puts strains on your spine. This strain can become serious with time. To get away with this, life up the phone and move your eyes. Do not move your head.

Physical exercise

If you have put on much weight recently, then it is time to shed those extra pounds. Too much belly fat puts stress on your back. Plan out your exercise routine and work on it. This will keep your spine and body in perfect shape, which is really important.

Choose correct footwear to improve your posture

Believe it or not, stylish footwear adds to your personality. But as far as posture is concerned, they are a big no. Stilettos or pumps put pressure on your spine, which consequently over-arches your back. This ultimately puts pressure on the nerves leading to back pain and other problems. Hence, medical professionals advise wearing a lower and chunky heel for daily purposes.

To sum it all up

Proper alignment of your body, spine and neck is vital to conserve energy and not putting stress on the muscles. People easily develop habits resulting in bad posture, but it is not good for your overall well-being. With few changes in your daily routine, such as stretching and exercise, you can beat these problems and lead a happy and peaceful life. After all, Morihei Ueshiba was right when he uttered the following words:-

A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.