During a recent consultation, I was discussing with a client the importance of good posture. This particular client remembered her mother always reminding her to "stand up straight" and "hold your head up" and "don't slouch!" She stated that she had always had this problem, and wondered if it was too late to start doing something about it. I was happy to inform her that of all the things that happen to our bodies, poor posture can be one of the easiest to correct. Although good posture contributes to a look of confidence and strength, more importantly it contributes to our health and well-being.

To help you better understand the importance of good posture, lets start by discussing the spine, the bones (vertebrae) and discs that support the body and protect the spinal cord. There are three curves in the spine: the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low back). If one of these curves is out of place, poor posture begins to set in. The vertebrae become improperly aligned leading to stress and strain on your joints and ligaments. In addition, the muscles which attach to the bones may also become affected because they are unable to work as efficiently and therefore fatigue much faster. This in turn causes increased muscle weakness. Muscles that are no longer in their usual positions may also tighten up. It is like a domino effect, all of the factors just mentioned can lead to pain and degenerative problems over a period of time. Poor posture is irritating to the spinal nerves, and can restrict or alter the motion of the rib cage, affecting breathing and causing excess stress and pressure on organs and tissues in the chest.

There can more than one cause of bad posture, one of which is spinal dysfunction, however, there is great likelihood that it is simply a result of poor sitting, standing and moving practices. If you feel you may have postural problems due to spinal dysfunction early detection is important. The earlier spinal distortions are detected, the better are the chances of correcting the problem. If you feel it more likely stems from laziness, there are many things you can do.

First of all, take a look at your wardrobe. Wearing high heeled shoes or boots throws off your center of gravity. Tight fitting clothes and wide belts can also shift your center of gravity and move your body out of normal alignment.

Do you sit at a computer most of the day? Computer use is a major contributor of injuries related to posture. While you are at your desk tomorrow, think about how you are positioned while you are working. Typically, one of the first things that happens with computer use is that your head begins to move forward. Once your head moves forward, your posture is automatically thrown off and your body begins to compensate for the shift. In compensating, your neck moves forward, your shoulders become rounded and a sway in the back develops. The end result can be pain, muscle aches, tension and even headaches. To correct this problem, try gently lifting your chest, and your head and shoulders will come back into their proper position without straining the muscles in the neck and back. This can also be applied when you're standing. Other suggestions are to angle your work whenever possible so you're not looking down, and try not to cross your legs while sitting. If possible, use a rolled up towel and place it in the curve of your low back whenever you are seated for an extended period of time. Do you carry much of your weight around your midsection? If so, your center of gravity has again been compromised, resulting in a swayback, head forward position. Take a good look at the activities you are doing aerobically and anaerobically. Overly developed hip flexor muscles contribute to swayback, while tight hamstring muscles contribute to an overly flat back. Correcting existing postural problems involves restoring range of motion, increasing flexibility and strengthening weakened muscles. This can be accomplished through various exercises and consistent practice. Muscle relaxation techniques, massage and stretching can also be useful if you are experiencing pain and muscle tension.

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