Posture is crucial for maintaining good physical health and overall well-being. The term, posture, refers to the alignment and positioning of the body while sitting, standing, and/or moving. In this blog post, we will dive into the scientific importance of having good posture, why perfect posture does not exist and what you can do to improve your posture.

The information provided below is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Links throughout this blog may also contain affiliate links. Please be assured, that these are all products I personally use and/or recommend. There is no additional cost to you, and often times when you use my link, you will save money with my exclusive discounts and coupons.

What is the Relationship Between your Posture and Health?

Good posture helps prevent musculoskeletal issues by ensuring that the body’s weight is distributed evenly across muscles and joints. This reduces excessive strain on specific areas, such as the spine, neck, and shoulders. Proper alignment also supports the natural curvature of the spine, preventing conditions like scoliosis and reducing the risk of chronic issues. By maintaining a balanced and aligned posture, individuals can avoid the development of strains, sprains, and other related problems in the musculoskeletal system. A balanced musculoskeletal system will also support a healthy nervous system as there is less compression on the nerves and their pathways throughout the body.

Having good posture also supports other vital systems in your body such as, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory and digestive systems, to name a few.  Proper alignment of the body enables blood and lymph to flow freely without restrictions. It also allows for optimal lung function, ensuring that you can take deep, full breaths. Additionally, it promotes healthy digestion by allowing organs to function without compression. 

Furthermore, good posture supports mental health by influencing our mind-body connection. When we maintain proper alignment, it promotes a sense of confidence, self-assuredness, and positivity. This can lead to improved mood and reduced feelings of anxiety or depression. Ultimately, good posture promotes better physical and mental health/wellness.

Does Posture Need to be Perfect?

While good posture is important, it’s worth noting that the body is designed for movement and adaptation, not rigid stillness. Having perfect posture is an unrealistic standard. It’s natural for the body to adjust and shift positions, especially during various activities. The key is to maintain a balanced, dynamic posture that allows for movement while avoiding prolonged, extreme positions that may lead to strain or discomfort. A balanced posture emphasizes comfortable alignment and adaptability. It allows for natural adjustments and shifts during various activities. In contrast, a perfect posture implies a rigid, static position that may not be sustainable or realistic for extended periods of time. Having this flexibility supports overall comfort and well-being.

What Can you do to Improve your Posture?

Working toward having good posture does not need to be hard. By incorporating these following practices into your daily routine, you can actively work towards better posture and improving your overall wellness. 

      • 1. Ergonomic Setup: Arrange workstations and seating to encourage neutral spine alignment, minimizing strain on the back, neck, and shoulders.
      • 2. Regular Movement: Take breaks to stretch and move around, preventing stiffness and promoting healthy circulation. If you work at a desk, set a timer for every 30 minutes to get up and move.
      • 3. Core Strengthening Exercises: Engage in activities that target core muscles, which provide vital support for maintaining good posture. Our favorites are Bird Dog and Dead Bug.
      • 4. Stretches for Flexibility: Incorporate stretches that target areas prone to tension, such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Our favorites are Cat Cow, Four-Way Neck stretches and Chin Tucks.
      • 5. Awareness and Mindfulness: Pay attention to your body’s positioning throughout the day, making conscious adjustments when needed. You can learn more about desk ergonomics here.
      • 6. Footwear Consideration: Choose supportive, comfortable shoes that promote balanced weight distribution. Flux Foot Wear i is a great option that has a wide toe-box and zero drop to support your natural foot shape.
      • 7. Pillow and Mattress Selection: Invest in supportive pillows and mattresses that maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. We recommend PillowWise pillows as they are specifically measured in the office to support your individual neck curve. If you’re local to Central Ohio, you can schedule an appointment to be fit for your own pillow, here. 
      • 8. Stress Management: Oftentimes, poor posture is a result of compensation that your body is relying on to overcome some sort of stressor. Oftentimes, we think of posture with our physical stressors– sitting all day, repetitive movements etc. But the tightness in your shoulders caused by stress can be just as big of a factor in affecting your posture as sitting at a desk all day may be. Don’t forget to check in on all of your stressors to best work lasting results for your posture. 
      • 9. Get Adjusted: There are specific chiropractic adjustments and techniques to help restore joint motion, optimize the neurological connections in the body and overall help you create and sustain better posture.