When you were a kid you heard it, and now your chiropractor is telling you, "Stop slouching!" You are never too old to be reminded that there are numerous benefits of good posture to your overall health. Here is why you need to stop slouching and correct your bad posture.
The Benefits of Good Posture
Proper posture not only improves your appearance but provides the following additional benefits:
Reduces stress on the body: Proper posture reduces stress on the ligaments that hold the joints together.
Promotes good spinal health: Good posture can prevent the spine from becoming "stuck" in abnormal positions.
Prevents wear and tear: As you age, your joints wear out, causing problems with your ankles, knees, hips, and back, and good posture can help you avoid this.
Keeps the spine aligned: The spine must be free and aligned for the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body. Proper posture keeps the spine in the correct position to avoid subluxations.
Allows better breathing: By maintaining good posture, you can breathe more efficiently, which increases the supply of oxygen to your body, resulting in a feeling of being more energized.
Health Impacts of Slouching
In addition to affecting your spine, bad posture has detrimental effects on your overall health. Some of the side effects of slouching include:
Increases pain: Poor posture can alter the spine's natural curve over time, resulting in both long-term pain and short-term discomfort.
Decreases oxygen: Since your skeleton supports your entire body, slouching or bad posture can compress your ribs and spine. This will result in the lungs not expanding fully, thereby denying oxygen to the whole body.
Causes neck and headaches: Poor posture can result in neck tension and headaches. You may also experience discomfort or tingling in your hands if the pain radiates down to your shoulders and arms.
It is never too late to avoid slouching and start experiencing the benefits of good posture. By restoring the correct alignment to your spine, your Voorhees Township chiropractor can assist you in overcoming bad posture. If you'd like more information on how Bird Chiropractic can help, please give us a call or fill out our online contact application.
