Poor Posture Specialist

What is poor posture?

Poor posture is a term for positions in which your body isn’t giving your spine the support it needs. It’s easy to slip into bad postural habits, often without being aware of what you’re doing.

Many people slump in their work chairs or cars, or slouch when they’re relaxing on the couch in the evening. Young people, in particular, tend to lie on their front when reading or using a mobile device, but just sitting in bed with your laptop can have similar effects.

Everyday activities like vacuuming, washing the dishes, or gardening can result in you hunching over or stretching your back. Lifting and carrying using poor techniques can also put excessive strain on your back.

Simply standing with your weight on one leg for an extended period or walking along with your head looking down are all examples of poor posture.

Why should I worry about poor posture?

Good posture ensures that the weight and pressure on your musculoskeletal system are even and that all the parts of your body that should support you are doing so correctly.

Poor posture, on the other hand, puts strain on many areas of your body. Slumping, for example, with a hollow chest and rounded shoulders puts a lot of stress on the upper part of your back. The result is stiffness, soreness, and pain.

By correcting your posture and thinking about how you use your body, you could avoid many common aches and pains. Poor posture can also contribute to more serious conditions, causing chronic spine pain, back pain, and neck pain.

As well as affecting your bones and muscles, poor posture can cause compression in your chest and abdomen, affecting your breathing and organ function.

How do I correct my poor posture?

The first step in addressing poor posture is to visit Dr. Shiha for an assessment. He can analyze how you walk, sit, and stand, and see where you’ve fallen into bad habits. He can also examine your spine and musculoskeletal system for signs of the long-term effects of poor posture.

Having identified what needs changing, Dr. Shiha shows you how to alter your posture and build new, healthier habits. You can learn how to redistribute the weight of your body for better balance when you’re standing and sit properly when you’re working or relaxing.

You can also practice safe lifting and carrying techniques and learn how to walk in a way that protects your spine.

Find out if you have poor posture and how to fix it by calling Michael Shiha, DC, today or booking an appointment online.