Posture is the word used to describe the way we sit, walk, stand, squat or kneel.

We are all made differently, and our genetics can affect our posture. Bad habits that we may have got in to, emotional factors, tiredness and carrying shopping or carrying children can all affect our posture. A healthy posture can also be affected by general fatigue and even our modern lifestyles.
From childhood slouching in front of the television or at a school desk can continue into adulthood where we will then adopt these bad habits sitting at computers and laptops.

Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and osteoarthritis (wear and tear) can occur as we get older and additionally contribute to poor posture.
Visit www.backblog.co.uk to read more about good/correct posture techniques.

Correct posture

Best posture is to be in an upright stance with the shoulders down and the arms hanging loosely down by the sides.

Bad or incorrect posture is where the shoulders are rolled forward and hunched up which in turn makes the chin fall forward and will increase the natural curve of the upper back and reverse curve of the neck.
It really matters if you slouch!

It’s very easy when we are at home to slouch when reading or watching the television and we do this without thinking or being aware that we are evendoing it. By sitting up straight we can go back to good posture but if we keep slouching or slumping the muscles will eventually tighten and this will result in the muscles shortening and becoming weak and unbalanced.

If you allow the slouched posture to set in it will cause the muscles and joints to ache around the back, neck and the base of the head and shoulders. This bad posture will strain the muscles, joints and even the nerves coming out of spine. The bones and joints can even change shape and lead to added wear and tear (osteoarthritis).

If you have bad posture all your life you are at a greater risk of getting more rounded as you get older.

It’s never too late

However old or stage of life you are at something can always be done to improve your posture.

• Don’t sit in a soft and saggy chair – sit in a firm supportive chair preferably with arms
• Don’t sit for too long and take regular breaks
• Don’t cross your legs
• Use good back support such as a lumbar roll
• Adjust the height of your desk
• Don’t tense your neck, wrists or shoulders

If it feels difficult to adopt a good posture it probably means that its bad to begin with. You can try squeezing the shoulder blades together behind your back and down away from the head.
Try to think about your posture every hour or two and “re-set” it during the day.

If you are driving, try sitting upright again at traffic light stops for example. Try this for a few minutes then relax again.
If you work in an office at a desk or computer, make sure the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you and eye level. This will minimise turning your neck or lower back too much. Try not to slouch or hunch over at the screen.

Try rolling both shoulders up to your ears and around backwards squeezing the shoulder blades together behind you. Try these six to twelve times a day to help improve your posture.

If you are interested in finding out more about chiropractic self-help tips and hints or chiropractic treatment, why not visit www.lushingtonchiropractic.com