Source : Article Snatch
Today, our lifestyles involve more activities that involve sitting for long periods of time. Such activities as surfing the internet, texting, and playing video game are all activities that create poor back posture. Correct posture is essential to keep the spine and back healthy. There can be a number negative health impacts when people do no not maintain proper posture. Constantly maintaining poor posture can strain the muscles and put too much pressure on the spine. When constantly having poor posture, there can be adverse changes in the spine that negatively impact the discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. This will result in back pain and neck pain as well as fatigue and headaches. There are also concerns that poor posture can have a negative impact on breathing.
Today, it is more important than ever to maintain good posture. The following are a number of tips for a better posture:
1. When sitting for long periods of time such as at work, you can maintain a proper posture by practicing proper sitting techniques. For instance, in the sitting position, align the hips, shoulders, and ears in one succinct vertical line. It is important to keep your back straight as you sit at your desk, and try not to start slouching. At the beginning, you will have to catch yourself when you start to slouch, but overtime maintaining a vertical alignment with a straight back will become natural.
2. A person can also practice proper posture when standing and walking. To maintain good posture while standing, you need to distribute your body weight evenly in the back, sides, and front of your feet. When you stand and start to walk, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.
3. Practicing back strengthening exercises will help you maintain good posture. Cycling, swimming, yoga, aerobics, and walking, are excellent exercises that help strengthen, tighten and tone the muscles and joints in the back. Not only will they strengthen the back, but they will also help promote proper posture. As well, sit-ups and crunches help strengthen the back.
4. Posture-supporting methods and ergonomic chairs will help take the strain off the spine and promote good posture. Ergonomic chairs come with an adjustable back support that helps alleviate pressure and keeps the back positioned properly. As well, you can make simple adjustments that will reduce the instances of slipping into poor posture. For instance, foot rests, not crossing your legs when sitting, portable back supports and pillows, positioning the computer screen so you do not have to lean inward to read what is on the screen, avoid leaning back in the chair, and keeping items within arm reach, will all help maintain a proper posture.
If your back is constantly aching, especially when you get up and move around, you are likely suffering the effects of not maintaining a proper posture. Proper posture improves not only your back, but it also improves your overall health. Simple exercises and making simple adjustments in your life that accommodates your back and improves posture, will significantly correct your posture.
