What is Posture?

What About Posture?

Last week, we saw an increase in the number of clients that had a postural related muscle aches and discomfort. One of them didn’t understand what  good posture was and only felt that posture was all about sleeping on a firm mattress.

More so, she was confused because she owned an orthopedic mattress and still came down with back pain.

So she asked me; “what is posture and why is it important?

Why is Good Posture Important?

Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit and lie in a position that places least stress and strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during static, movement and weight bearing activities.

Good Posture helps keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscle are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.

It also helps to reduce stress on ligament holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.

It allows muscles to work more efficiently and effectively, allowing the body to use less energy, therefore preventing muscle fatigue.

Evidently, a correct posture helps to prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain and discomfort.

Essentially, to maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine.

In addition you must recognize your bad postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them.

Without doing all these, you might attract excessive strain on your postural muscles.

For example,  people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace are more prone to injuries and back pain.

It is also worthy of note that Several factors contribute to poor posture including stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tighten muscles and high heel shoes.

In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can contribute to poor body positioning.

To learn more about the unique cause of your back pain Click here.