The way you sit, stand, and even walk can have far-reaching impacts on your overall health. Poor posture is more common than you think, and it’s becoming even more of a prevalent problem in today’s modern world. With how much time we spend in front of our TVs and computers, it’s no surprise that posture-related issues are on the rise. Here are some of the problems poor posture causes–and how you can fix them.
#1: Pain
Although it might be the most obvious problem caused by poor posture, you might not immediately connect pain from one part of your body to the way you sit or stand. This is because your spine is responsible for aligning the rest of your back, and any deterioration in it can cause extensive damage throughout your entire body.
Poor posture places additional strain on your muscles, causing back and neck pain. As the condition worsens, your lower body needs to overcompensate, causing further harm to your hips and legs. In many cases, poor posture eventually leads to arthritis, in which your joints swell and become tender.
#2: Headaches
Many people lean their head forward while sitting or standing, straining the nerves found in the neck. With today’s reliance on cellular phones, this problem is even worse as much of our free time is spent looking down at a screen. This deteriorates the joints found in the neck and causes your lungs to compress, leading to pain and headaches due to a lack of oxygen.
#3: Fatigue
Have you ever found it difficult to fall asleep on an uncomfortable bed? This is because your body is usually forced to adapt to the mattress, rather than the other way around. As your body struggles to adjust, you may find it difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day feeling like you barely slept at all.
During the day, poor posture can also take its toll on your sleeping habits. If your body isn’t aligned properly, additional weight is put on vital organs. You may find yourself laboring to breathe as your lungs have less room to expand, or notice your heart racing faster than usual as it works harder to pump blood. All of this contributes to a feeling of fatigue as your body is forced to work harder to perform its normal functions throughout the day.
#4: Stress
While experiencing some level of stress on a day-to-day basis is normal, poor posture puts additional stress not only on our bodies, but ourselves as well. Poor posture causes your body to attempt to correct itself on a constant basis in an effort to prevent injury, which increases blood pressure and adds to stress.
What’s worse, the pain or tiredness caused by poor posture can also have an impact on your quality of life, heightening your stress responses as well. Stress can contribute to or cause a whole host of problems, including depression, eating disorders, a suppressed immune system, and even heart disease.
#5: Digestive Problems
Poor posture isn’t just limited to the couch or the computer chair; it can be a problem at the dinner table as well! Poor posture while eating causes your stomach to collapse and may result in acid reflux. It can also compress your intestines during digestion causing gas or bloating. While using the restroom, poor posture can also put pressure on your colon, causing constipation. These issues are only compounded when you consider the long-term digestive problems poor posture could cause, such as urinary tract infections.
Fixing Poor Posture
One of the biggest obstacles to fixing poor posture is even realizing that we’re doing it! Always be conscious of the way you’re sitting or standing. Don’t slouch, stand up straight, and adjust your position regularly. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and try to exercise regularly to help keep your muscles strong.
If you’re suffering from any of these problems, you may need the help of a specialist. A chiropractor or physical therapist who specializes in back and neck pain can consult you on any issues your poor posture may be causing and how you can correct them.
Is Poor Posture Affecting Your Quality of Life?
If you’re suffering due to poor posture, Kim Chiropractic and Rehab can help. As the longest-standing Chiropractic Clinic in the Washington Metropolitan area, we have the tools and knowledge to help you manage or even eliminate your pain. You can reach our Rockville Clinic at (301) 881-1000 or our Centreville Clinic at (703) 815-2300, or you can contact us online to schedule your appointment! Come visit us and see why chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to control your pain.
