Relieve Your Back Pain With These Posture Tips
How correcting your posture with chiropractic care is the key to resolving back pain
Did you know that poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain? If you’ve been experiencing pain anywhere in the back, shoulders, and neck, you may want to take a look at your body’s positions while sitting, standing, and moving around. No matter how severe, ongoing pain in the back should be addressed.
Fortunately, at Legacy Chiropractic, our chiropractors can help you overcome back pain by improving posture.
What exactly is posture?
Posture refers to your body’s position while standing, sitting, or lying down. Being mindful of your posture is a great way to keep the spine healthy and avoid issues like pain and stiffness.
Many people get into the habit of slouching or hunching forwards, especially those with jobs that involve sitting or standing in place for long periods of time. However, engaging in poor posture means that your back isn’t provided with the support that it needs. This can cause chronic pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, and rounded shoulders. While it may take some training and consistency, your back will thank you for correcting your posture! Our chiropractors at Legacy Chiropractic can teach you the right skills and techniques to improve posture and heal back pain.
How can good posture help me?
Slouching is more than just a bad habit. There can be physical causes or underlying conditions that contribute to poor posture. If muscles are too tight or you have a smaller range of motion, it can be more difficult for you to correctly position parts of your body. In addition, good posture benefits not only your back, but each of your extremities.
Good postural habits help you in the following ways:
- Keeps bones and joints properly so that muscles are being used appropriately
- Helps to prevent arthritis and the effects of joint overuse
- Decreases strain on the ligaments in the spine
- Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in unnatural positions
- Helps to maintain proper balance and coordination
- Improves back and muscular pain
How you can maintain good posture
Whether you’re sitting, running, or laying down, posture is involved in just about every movement. In many cases, you might not even notice your body’s natural positions changing. To prevent bad posture with daily activities, try these simple tips:
Don’t slouch!
Slouching adds stress to the spine, which can put a strain on the bones, muscles, and joints that are required to hold your backbone in place. Persistent slouching pushes your organs together, making it harder for your lungs and intestines to function. If slouching becomes too much of a habit, you may even have trouble digesting food or getting enough air to breathe.
Adjust your desk position
Even if you don’t have a desk job, adjusting the position of your chair, computer, and desk can largely benefit your posture. Invest in a high enough desk that allows you to vertically position your computer at eye-level. Your chair should always provide back support so you can relax your shoulders back rather than slouching forwards.
Watch out for “tech neck”!
Tech neck is becoming more of an issue in the digital age, and many people have slipped into the habit of staring down at their phones. If you’re spending lots of time on your smartphone, take frequent breaks to stretch out your neck. Try lifting your phone up and moving your eyes rather than your head.
Sleep with proper support
Your natural sleeping habits can have a big impact on posture. Some sleeping positions and tips to try include:
- Rest in a position that helps to maintain the natural curve in your back. You can achieve this by using a lumbar roll or firm pillow underneath your lower back
- Avoid sleeping on your side or pulling your knees to your chest
- Don’t sleep on your stomach overnight
- Invest in a firm mattress that won’t deplete over time. Firm mattresses keep the body upright and in its natural state
While these guidelines should generally help with back pain, it’s best to consult with your chiropractor and listen to their suggestions, as they will make recommendations based on your unique needs.
How chiropractic care at Legacy Chiropractic can help
Back and neck pain are common, yet avoidable issues that people face. If you’ve been experiencing chronic pain or are searching for ways to better your posture, our chiropractors at Legacy Chiropractic can help you diminish symptoms and achieve a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
Looking for long-time comfort? Let’s connect! Contact us at Legacy Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment.