Sit Up Straight!
As most people know, I have become the posture police. I always notice bad posture, and there isn’t a person I have met that doesn’t fall into that category, including myself. We all have to constantly battle the numerous contributing factors that lead us to having bad posture, and it certainly is a never-ending battle! All of your chiropractic adjustments help your posture in some way, with some being much more important than others. The most common things we see are rolling forward in the shoulders and/or pelvis, anterior head carriage/straightened neck curve (computers/phones), and twisting/tilting throughout the spine, especially in the pelvis (don’t cross your legs!)
Having great posture is easy in principle, just do as your mother told you and sit up straight! Bringing the shoulders back and rolling the hips forward will have you sitting in the proper alignment in no time. The problem is that it is really difficult to stay in that position for any length of time. This is due to the fact that you are engaging muscles that you don’t typically use, or they don’t work well to begin with (hence the need for an adjustment). The more you work on this, the stronger those muscles become and the easier it gets!
The repercussions of poor posture are endless, as it changes how your body moves and functions. It can lead to chronic misalignments, pain, and decreased flexibility. Certain conditions are a result of this happening as well- things like arthritis, poor circulation, digestive and/or reproductive issues, and decreased energy levels. That’s right, sitting up straight will give you more energy! Your body becomes fatigued when it is working inefficiently, and the chronic pain/tension takes its toll; as well as having your diaphragm be inhibited, reducing quality of breathing and lowering oxygen levels for your brain, organs, and cells. Proper posture will also increase your focus and alertness leading to more production, better mood, and less stress!
As things get out of alignment and inflamed, we can always turn to chiropractic care, stretching, exercises, and using our bodies in a healthy way. There are also plenty of supplements that help with our physical ailments. We carry multiple anti-inflammatory supplements such as Turmero, KappArrest, Herbal Eze, and Soft Tissue Support Packs. You can also improve the health of your soft tissue with minerals, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and electrolytes. Ask today what products might help with your aches and pains; or if there is more you can be doing to help your posture, inflammation, and overall well-being!
Yours in health,
Dr. J.