Posture Matters

I treat pain conditions on a regular basis, and a majority of these conditions are brought about by injury, overwork/repetitive strain, and poor posture. Postural strain increases with our engagement with electronic gadgets or holding ourselves during specific activities that locks the body into an abnormal position where the muscles and supporting tissues of the spine become tense, imbalanced and irritated. Stress can magnify pain symptoms, and if stress levels and posture aren't simultaneously addressed, the pain pattern can become a chronic cycle.

Better posture is achievable; this takes awareness and daily practice. The head should rest over the heart, not pulled forward or down. Shoulders can creep up and be pulled forward; move shoulder blades down and towards each other to counter the forward position. The goal here is to keep the muscles of the shoulder girdle down and relaxed. In a seated position, the lumbar spine should rest against a chair back or car seat, not held in a slumped position. 

Keeping the spinal segments aligned and muscles relaxed means that spinal nerves aren't constricted and the chest and thoracic cavity have more space for expansion. This frees the chest for fuller breaths, which in turn can reinforce relaxation throughout the body. Carrying this practice into daily life may help prevent stress on joints and injury to surrounding musculature. These adjustments will go a long way to support long-term health.