When your mom constantly reminded you to stand up straight — she wasn’t being annoying, she was looking out for your future! Having good posture not only makes you look good on the outside, but has benefits internally as well.
Having good posture:
- Reduces your risk of injury
- Reduces stress on your ligaments
- Improves digestion
- Prevents muscle fatigue
- Improves your mood
With all of these external and internal benefits, it’s worth the effort to examine your own posture habits to see if there’s room for improvement. Spoiler alert: there probably is! Read on to learn our favorite ways to improve your posture.
See a Chiropractor for an evaluation
Before making any changes yourself, it’s worth visiting a chiropractic professional for an evaluation of your current posture habits and spinal alignment. Chiropractors can determine if you have any weaknesses that require manual adjustment or alternative therapies, can offer advice on how to improve your posture specifically, and can provide relief to other physical ailments you may be experiencing as a result of poor posture.
Work that core!
Focusing on your core and abdominal strength has the additional benefit of improving your posture. Your core acts as the foundation for all of your daily movements and stabilizes your spine. Without a solid core, your muscles have to work harder leaving you more prone to injury. A weak core also leads to slouching while sitting, standing, walking, and running. Here’s are a few of our favorite core exercises that can help to strengthen your postural muscles:
Examine your desk habits
Standing at a standing desk that has the correct ergonomics will help you to have better posture while working at your computer. Your computer monitor should be at eye level — if you’re standing correctly, you should be able to imagine a vertical line being drawn from your ear down to your shoulder. The correct posture reduces pressure on your back and discs and prevents the pains from tech neck developing. Check out our blog about standing desks here and tech neck here!
Save your heels for special occasions
While fun and fashionable, high heels, especially stilettos, push the base of your spine forward which over arches your back. Over arching your back can cause spinal, hip, and knee misalignment and puts pressure on your nerves. High heels can also lead to chronic pain in the arch of your feet as well. Opt for a thicker heel (they’re in!) or a supportive flat for daily wear.
Invest in a posture gadget
These days, there are countless gadgets and gizmos that are aimed at helping you improve your posture. From supportive posture correctors to electronic posture trainers, there’s one for every budget. You can even try this posture reminder app for free!
If you’re concerned about your posture, or just want to improve it, seeing one of the Chiropractic professionals at Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic can help! If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call a Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic location or request an appointment online today. You’ll be standing tall in no time!