It may seem like a trivial thing your parents and teachers told you as a kid “Sit up straight!” but good posture, especially as you age, becomes increasingly important.
Sitting up and standing straight and tall not only make you appear taller, more self-assured and confident, it lengthens the spine allowing proper spacing between discs. This is essential for proper nerve function and electrical impulses to reach each and every organ in your body, the brain included.
Good posture allows your body to work easily and in alignment – in the most efficient manner possible without added fatigue on ligaments and muscles, reducing strain and stresses on the spine itself.
The importance of having your alignment checked
We are used to hearing that term in conjunction with our vehicles. Making sure the tires are wearing evenly to spot problems in the car or trucks alignment. Taking yourself for a visit to your chiropractor works much in the same way. Interestingly you can actually look at someone’s shoes they have worn in well and see misalignments in the body and how they carry through to the gate of their walk.
Going in for regular adjustments/alignments puts your body back in place for the best functionality possible. Sometimes slouching, leaning or slumping is a habit that needs to be consciously worked on to be broken, other times something may be actually out of place needing to be adjusted back to the correct position so you can actually sit or stand straight.
What is posture?
Posture is more than just the way a person sits or stands. It is the proper bio mechanical alignment of the body as a whole. If your body mechanics are off you are more likely to experience aches, pains and are more prone to injury.
Breathing may even be affected by improper posture as your lungs may be unable to expand fully. Shallow breathing doesn’t oxygenate your body as well as deep breathing does and may leave you with additional health issues. Good posture has even been shown to help boost mood and energy levels.
How to avoid some common posture problems
- Limit the amount of time you spend staring down at your smart phone or other devices.
- Take breaks from your computer work every hour or so.
- If you wear high heels, take them off under your desk when sitting and if you go for walks on lunch, bring a pair of tennis shoes – your feet and spine need a break.
- Carry a backpack or big purse? – These can lead to imbalances fairly quickly. Try to limit the amount of weight carried and switch sides often if possible.
- If you have been in an auto accident, no matter how “ok” you may feel, in the state of Florida you only have 14 days to seek medical attention. At the time of the accident, your body will compensate with adrenalin, actual injuries may not be felt for some time afterward. No matter how low speed the impact, it is vital for your future health to be checked out by your chiropractor.
- Visit your Chiropractor regularly. Chiropractic, when used as maintenance, can help your body posture stay strong for a lifetime.If you are in the Southwest Florida area visit Dr. Jason Kaster. With offices in both Fort Myers, Florida and Naples, Florida he is there to help you and your family achieve optimal health.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL, and Naples, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers and Naples, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.