The Importance of Posture
Most people don’t realize the importance of posture and the effects it can have on your overall health. Having poor posture is one of the top three reasons for all visits to the doctor, and worsening posture over the years can decrease your life expectancy. Here are a few reasons why maintaining good posture is important to your health.
Preventing back problems
One of the biggest problems that can occur from poor posture is temporary or chronic back pain due to the pressure put on your joints, nerves, and muscles from slouching. If you have a job that requires you to sit at a desk for most of the day, make sure you are sitting up straight.
Improving athletic performance and preventing injuries
Even if you are a star athlete, poor posture can impact your performance and cause injuries, especially if you spend most of your day sitting for long periods of time. In order to enhance your posture when you are off the field or outside of the gym, make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day that involve some activity. Even taking a 15-minute walk can help improve your posture and ultimately your athletic performance.
Lowering the risk for chronic health problems
The natural height that we lose with age brings a greater chance for having a curved spine, which can cause tightness around many of your internal organs. These restrictions increase the chances for chronic health problems such as digestive issues, stroke and heart disease. In order to reduce the risk for these health-related issues, treat your posture with the same level of care as you would with other habits, like healthy eating, exercise, and brushing your teeth.
Boosting your mood and energy levels
Having good posture can impact more than how you appear. A study from the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry states that “adopting an upright posture may increase positive affect, reduce fatigue and decrease self-focus in people with mild to moderate depression.” The tension caused by poor posture can also decrease your energy levels due to the compression in your spine. In order to keep both your body and mind strong, be sure to incorporate flexibility exercises such as yoga into your workout routine.
Live Well specializes in chiropractic services that improve posture including spinal alignment, decompression therapy, and preventative exercises. We can also help your children improve their posture before bad habits become ingrained. To schedule an appointment, email us at info@livewellcc.com or call at 513-285-7682. If you have general questions, feel free to send us a message.
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