Perfect Posture is Dynamic

Bottom Line:

When you think of posture most of you probably get a 3rd person view of yourself sitting at a computer, or looking at your phone, or how you sit on the couch…..but are these positions really what your “posture” is deemed to be? The answer may not be what you think! 

The latest research shows that it is much more beneficial for you to think of your posture as a constantly changing, dynamic position of your body versus something that is static and unchanging. 

In other words, your ideal posture is constantly changing and evolving. Our bodies, and the chemistry within are always changing in response to many factors. One to being….MOVEMENT! 

Why it Matters:

Think of your posture as a dynamic pattern of responses, reflexes, and habits…not just a fixed position. 

Gravity, your work environment, and your body's anatomy all play essential roles in your postural situation. For instance, sitting for hours at a time staring at a computer screen is a perfect example of a damaging static posture that over time can lead to the development of chronic forward head posture. 

Forward head posture affects millions of people who spend their days using computers and has the potential to cause pain and degenerative changes in your spinal joints. It also places stress on the neck and shoulders and weakens the supporting muscles of the neck over time. 

Here's what you need to know: 

·    Forward head posture affects millions and results in neck pain for up to 75% of those affected. 

·    Neck pain, tension, stiffness, and tenderness are all signs of chronic forward head posture.

·    Trapezius strengthening has been shown to provide clinically significant relief for those struggling with neck pain as a result of forward head posture.

Next Steps: 

If you are one of those many people who spend hours and hours in the same position throughout the day (like sitting at a computer), it's important to take the time to take periodic breaks to stretch and move your body. 

Remember, posture is dynamic, and stretching can help "reset" your posture, keep your spine healthy and your energy levels up! 

Scheduling a posture and movement assessment with us is also a smart idea to help ensure you remain as pain-free as possible no matter how you spend your days. Just give us a call!

Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS

ProMove Chiropractic & Performance

402.915.4901

drsealey@promovechiropractic.com

Science Source(s): 

Effects of Lower Trapezius Strengthening Posture. Med Sci Monit. 2020.