Your mom probably told you at least once to stand up straight when you were a kid. And guess what? She was right. The way you used to carry yourself or sit in your chair at school probably contributed a lot to how you carry yourself now. Posture while standing, sitting, and lying down can have a big impact on your health and can be especially hard to fix. The good news is that it can be helped. 

As people have started using computers more and more, they’ve also spent more time hunched over a desk and keyboard. Little by little their posture is deteriorating. Instead of standing tall, they walk hunched over with their heads too far forward and their shoulders rounded. This leads to neck, back, and shoulder pain, and an overall decline in health. Studies have shown that for every inch the head moves forward, the back muscles have to support an extra ten pounds of weight. In addition, the brain is the center of the nervous system, and when the vertebrae are out of alignment, it interrupts your brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of your body. 

So, how can chiropractic help? A chiropractic will custom design a program that will improve your posture. This may include adjustments to realign the vertebrae, exercises to strengthen muscles, and other treatments that will help restore your posture and all of the benefits that come with it. 

The Importance of Good Posture

The most obvious benefit of good posture is the positive impact it has on your appearance. You will look taller, healthier, and appear more confident. But there are more than just changes that are visible on the outside. Good posture also offers less visible health benefits to your insides:

• Correct alignment of the spine, joints, and bones
• Less risk of chronic back injury and pain
• Decreased stress on tendons and ligaments
• Higher energy levels
• Enhanced moods
• Better digestion

How Can Chiropractic Fix Poor Posture?

Having good posture prevents back injuries and pain, and whether you are already experiencing pain and discomfort or simply wish to fix your posture to have a higher quality of life, here are a few things your chiropractor can do to help:

1. Obtain a Medical History – Before your chiropractor begins any treatments, they will perform a full examination and ask about your past and present medical history to get a better idea of your lifestyle and posture. This will allow your doctor to decide the extent of your poor posture and the impact it may be having on your life as well as what plan of action should be taken to fix it. 

2. Chiropractic Adjustments – While you may instantly think of popping and cracking sounds when you think of chiropractic adjustments, these treatments are about much more than loud noises. The reality is that most adjustments are gentle and cause very little, if any, discomfort. Your chiropractor will make adjustments to your shoulders and other affected joints. Treatments are carried out to increase movement in the joints, reduce tension in associated muscles, and ease bad posture. 

3. Poor Posture Treatment Isn’t Just About Bones – While your chiropractor will work on bones, they will also work with muscles which are equally important in maintaining good posture. If muscles are injured or not being used, surrounding muscles will become tense. This can pull the spine into a curved position. A chiropractor will use techniques to strengthen muscles and relieve muscle tension to restore balance in the muscle tissues. 

4. Good Aftercare is Key – Increasing strength in your weak muscles will only be possible if you work at reducing tension in muscles that are causing poor posture. Your chiropractor will create a routine that includes stretches, exercises, and other techniques which will help improve your posture in the long run.

Posture is more than just the way you carry yourself. It can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. While fixing your poor posture isn’t easy to do on your own, an experienced chiropractor can help you get your posture back to the way it should be.

It’s never too late to ask a chiropractor for help restoring your posture. While a good treatment plan may seem slow, keep in mind that persistence is key and that your condition didn’t happen overnight. If you’re ready to fix your posture, schedule an appointment online or call 256-721-9696. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.