"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind"
-- Morihei Ueshiba
Millions of people go about their daily lives with poor posture, oblivious to the negative physiological effects it has on the body. Posture is defined as the 'way' we hold our bodies, whether it's sitting, standing, laying down or crouching. As you begin to hold your body in abnormal ways, your spine and body will gradually begin to shift. This opens up a whole new world of potential problems, some of which are minor and others more severe. To more about the effects of poor posture and how chiropractic care can improve yours, keep reading.
Let's first talk about some of the causes of poor posture. While the exact cause varies from person to person, there are some general factors known to contribute to poor posture. One of the most common contributing factors is how the individual sits in a chair. People who sit down for long periods of time with their head and shoulders slouched over may develop poor posture. The body isn't designed to sit this way, and sitting like this for several hours a day, multiple days a week will shift your body into this abnormal position. People who work at a computer, desk or other jobs that require them to sit down for 8+ hours a day are placed at high risk for developing poor posture.
It's a little known fact that strength training workouts may lead to poor posture. When done correctly, weight-lifting and other resistance training workouts can improve your posture; however, using the wrong form during these workouts may strain and pull the body in places associated with posture. If you're going to implement strength training to your workout regime, take the time to familiarize yourself with the proper grip and form. This will not only protect your posture, but it will also encourage better muscle gains.
You've probably head the saying “lift with your legs, not your back” before. Whether you're picking up a heavy box at work or a pile of sticks in the yard, you should always drop your legs down into a squat position to pick up objects. Many people lift objects by bending their back over, creating an unnecessary strain on their back. Continuing with this behavior will lead to poor posture along with chronic back pain – and those are two things you don't want in your life.
Hope is on the horizon for individuals suffering from poor posture. Hypnotherapy can train your mind on a subconscious level to maintain proper posture throughout the day. The fact is that most people aren't aware of their poor posture. Over time, this can lead a range of different health problems. By training the mind through hypnotherapy, people who suffer from poor posture will carry themselves in the correct manner.
If you or anyone you love suffers from poor posture, please feel free to arrange a FREE consultation to ask any questions.
