Admit it: you don’t pay too much attention to the way you walk, sit, and lie down. Not everyone knows the right way to do it. You might argue that you’re comfortable with a certain position, but chiropractors will tell you that you might be putting unnecessary strain on your muscles. Here is a detailed explanation of what posture is, a list of tips for maintaining good posture, and more.
What Is Good Posture?
According to the American Chiropractic Association, the way we hold our bodies when sitting, lying down, and standing is called posture. However, there is a difference between good posture and bad posture. You can say that you have good posture when your body parts are aligned correctly with the right amount of muscle tension as support against gravity.
Your day-to-day activities can affect this alignment and put unnecessary strain and pressure on your muscles and joints. Over time, you’ll feel discomfort and pain. If left untreated, you might be left with permanent damage. With good posture exercises and proper ergonomics, you can correct your posture and avoid injuries caused by bad alignment.
Why Is Good Posture Important?
Maintaining your posture is not something that you do consciously. It can be a challenge to maintain good posture. It can come as a surprise, but the muscles on your body will normally do it for you. There are muscle groups that play a major role in maintaining your posture, such as your large back muscles and hamstrings. When your postural muscles are working properly, they will prevent gravity from pushing you forward and help you maintain your balance, no matter what you do.
How To Maintain Good Posture
It can be a daunting task to keep these tips in mind, especially if you cannot commit yourself to it. You might think that they will not help your posture, but you’re mistaken. Maintaining good posture can guarantee that you will not suffer any injuries to your ligaments and muscles.
Here a few things to keep in mind:
When sitting:
- If your feet don’t reach the floor when you’re sitting down, you can put a foot rest under your desk. On the other hand, if they do, keep them flat on the ground.
- Avoid crossing your legs, and keep your ankles ahead of you so they’re in front of your knees.
- Make sure that you don’t sit in one position for prolonged periods. Remember to take a break and move your body.
- The level of your knees should be the same as or below your hips.
- Make sure that the backrest of your chair supports your lower back and mid-back. You can also invest in quality back support.
- Leave a small gap between the front of your seat and the back of your knees.
When lying down:
- Listen to what your body tells you. People usually have different preferences when it comes to mattresses. Although firm mattresses are mostly recommended, your body may like it more when your mattress is soft. Consider the level of your back pain and your comfort when looking for a new mattress.
- A good sleeping position is either on your back or on your side. This can help manage your back pain. When you sleep on your back, make sure that you have a pillow under your knees. When you sleep on your side, you should put a pillow between your legs.
- There are special pillows that can remove the strain from your neck because of poor sleeping positions. Consider making the switch if the quality of your sleep continues to suffer.
- No matter how comfortable it is to sleep on your stomach, it is best to avoid doing it.
When standing:
- If you’re in a long queue and will be standing up for a long time, try shifting your weight from one foot to the other or from your toes to your heels.
- Slightly bend your knees.
- Be mindful of how you stand. Try your best to stand tall and straight. Make sure that your shoulders are pulled down and backward.
- Keep your stomach in.
- Keep a considerable distance between your feet. Chiropractors suggest keeping them shoulder-width apart.
When you feel pain when you move or do your everyday tasks, consulting a licensed chiropractor is the best thing to do. If you don’t ask professionals for medical intervention, the problem can become serious, and your overall health may suffer. If you don’t know a trusted chiropractor around your area, the Advanced Chiropractors Group is here to assist you.
We are affiliated with experts in the field. When you call us, we will have you connected to them promptly. With a proper treatment plan and good posture tips, you can go back to your routine in no time. Contact us today!
