Ann Arbor Chiropractor Explains the Problems Associated With Poor Posture and How To Improve Posture

Another blog post from Ann Arbor chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Bad posture is not just about how you look, even though it can make you look less confident and less alert. More importantly, poor posture leads to poor health. That is, there is a direct correlation between poor posture and illness. There is even a direct correlation with poor posture and a decrease in life expectancy.

The following are some of the health issues poor posture can create:

 

  • Bone degeneration

  • Arthritis

  • Spinal disc degeneration

  • Breathing problems

  • Fatigue

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Headaches

  • Stiff and achy joints

  • Poor circulation

How do you know if you have poor posture?

Stand in front of a mirror and close your eyes. Walk in place for about three seconds while shaking your hands (flapping them loosely). Open your eyes. You should then be able to see your true posture.

The basics of correct posture are that your ears are above your shoulders, your shoulders are in line with your hips, and your hips are in line with your ankles.

Common postural problems are that the shoulders roll forward, one shoulder is lower than the other, the neck is slanted forward, or one hip is forward of – or lower than – the other hip.

The following are the basics we tell our Ann Arbor chiropractic patients to help improve their posture.

The key message is that you must think about your posture in order to improve it. By thinking about it while you work on it, you will train your brain to subconsciously lead you towards having good posture. The following are the basic physical things you need to do to have good posture, as recommended by the American Chiropractic Association.

1. When Standing:

Make sure your weight is on the balls of your feet. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. Let your arms hang loosely to your side; keep your shoulders back; your ears should be aligned with the front of your shoulders.

2. When Sitting:

Your bottom should be against the back of your chair. Feet should be flat on the floor. If your feet don’t touch the floor, use a foot stool to support your feet. Keep some space between the back of your knees and chair. Make sure the chair supports your back. Make sure your knees are level with or below the level of your hips. Maintain your forearms so that they are parallel to the floor.

3. When Lying Down in Bed:

Make sure you have a high-quality mattress that you feel comfortable lying on. Don’t sleep on your stomach. When sleeping on your back, have a pillow under your knees, and when sleeping on your side have a pillow between your knees. Make sure you have a high-quality pillow that is not too thick and does not cause you any discomfort.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, neck pain, back pain, or headaches I can be reached at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office at [email protected].

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