Posture is the arrangement of parts of the body and it is essential for good health. Poor posture is a result of bad habits carried out over years and is evident in many adults.
While sitting, standing, sleeping an individual can acquire faulty and awkward posture. Several factors like stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles contribute to poor posture.
Proper posture is an important part that reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
Good posture allows muscles to work more efficiently, preventing muscle fatigue and allowing the body to use less energy.
Here are four key benefits of having a good posture-
- Breathe easier- Posture can actually help you feel more confident about your own abilities. Poor Postures reduces your ability to breathe fully while standing up tall may actually improve your ability to bring in good old oxygen by as much as 30%.
- Reduced low back pain– Sitting or standing in a slouched position stresses the lower back. When the spine is in proper alignment, your weight is supported by the bones, and less stress is placed on the surrounding joints, ligaments, and muscles.
- Increased energy levels– Your body muscles support your spine, so staying erect keeps them engaged. With good posture, your muscles become more efficient at maintaining alignment without effort. This will also benefit your big postural muscles—shoulder, pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles—to engage as you walk around throughout the day.
- Fewer Headaches- Poor posture compresses your joints and creates undue tension, and thus it can exacerbate headaches. Joint compression sometimes alters the feedback the brain receives about body position. If this occurs often, it can lead to the onset of frequent headaches and joint pain. By being a little aware of our postures while eating or during working hours can reduce muscle tension and improve our headaches.
Here’s How to Improve Your Posture-
- Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet and stand with your feet hip-width apart and parallel to one another.
- With your shoulders pulled backward, tuck your stomach in.
- Keep your head level with your shoulders. Don’t push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
- Shift your weight from your toes to your heels if you have to stand for a long time.
The temptation to sit in bed with your laptop while working at home leaves you susceptible to many risks. Sitting on a computer/Laptop all day has resulted in back issues for many professionals.
Dr. Samir Salvie, Consultant Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC said that the care of posture and good work habits are very important. People working from home must make sure that their sitting position and computers are properly placed. A complete change in routine activity in the early days of a pandemic may lead to many chronic sufferers worsening their pain, as they were used to a certain activity level.
As almost all back pains are related to poor posture. Exercises and proper attention to posture and poor work habits will add to the recovery and prevent a recurrence.