How to Banish Your Inner Slouch Potato
Like brushing your teeth and getting adequate exercise, standing up straight is essential for a happy and healthy life. But from time to time, we’re all guilty of slouching, drooping or sitting hunched over our computer. Consider these tips for better posture and optimum spinal health.
1. Know your Triggers. Everyone has a different lifestyle and routine. Learn what triggers your posture to go south. It might be sitting at your computer, reading, studying, hobbies like video games etc. Being aware and mindful of your posture is the first step into correcting it.
2. Avoid leaning. This could be driving, watching TV or at your computer, which often results in forward head posture. Instead, increase the font size if you find yourself squinting and make sure the screen is level with your eyes.
3. Switch your desk. Use a stability ball instead of a traditional chair, which when used properly, engages the core muscles, challenges balance and activates the postural muscles of the spine. Make sure to sit tall, feet together and not slump, or else it defeats the whole purpose. If you do use a chair, make sure it has spinal support and you sit up correctly.
4. Stand more than you sit. Switch to a standing desk and/or use a riser to elevate your computer. Standing puts less pressure on the spine than sitting and can reduce pain and improve mobility.
5. Keep moving. Exercise each day and schedule in physical activity throughout the day. These “movement breaks” can include short walks, stretching, ranges of motion, light cleaning, etc.
6. Stay hydrated. When you have pain, your posture and normal movement can be compromised. Maintaining adequate hydration levels is crucial for cell and tissue repair and healing and gives the body energy.
7. Think happy thoughts. Mental stress can cause changes in physical posture, including raised and rounded shoulders and upper back. A positive mindset can reduce stress, therefor influencing your confidence, energy level and posture.
8. Stretch it Out. With more posture, many muscles get weakened and tightened. Common areas include the neck, chest and shoulders and low back. Daily stretching can help reduce tension and pain.
9. Activate your Posture. Poor posture causes muscle imbalances. Certain muscles like our core and mid back become under-active and under-used. Doing strengthening exercises that target these areas can improve our posture.
10. Can’t figure out why you’re a slouch potato? Determine the underlying cause with chiropractic care. You can strengthen and stretch, but there might be a deeper reason of why you have pain or can’t seem to hold correct posture over time.
Have Questions? Want to have your posture and spine evaluated? Contact our office to schedule your evaluation.
We offer a new patient special for $57 (a $325 value), which includes a full health history, consultation, complete health examination, all necessary X-rays and a report of findings.
*Offer excludes: workers’ comp, personal injury, Medicare and Medicaid.
CONTACT US »