The Importance of Good Posture

Last Thursday, we set up shop at the annual Health and Wellness Fair at the Illinois Department of Transportation. We brought some Biofreeze, a couple of clipboards, our trusty 3D spine, and an iPhone app that does posture screenings by taking a few simple pictures (isn't technology great?)

We checked a total of 32 postures!

As the IDOT employees walked by, we eagerly asked if they wanted to get their posture checked. A common response was, "No thanks, I already know I have terrible posture." Much to our dismay, these folks not only accepted their bad posture, but were also completely unaware of the benefits of having good posture.

So what are the benefits of having good posture?

Good posture...

• Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly to avoid aches in the neck, back, arms and legs.
• Helps decrease abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
• Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
• Contributes to a good appearance :)

How do you achieve and maintain good posture? Some tips from The American Chiropractic Association:

1. Visit your chiropractor! 
2. Sit properly
• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest. 
• Don't cross your legs; your ankles should be in front of your knees.
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
3. Stand properly
• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your knees slightly bent and keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of your body.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
• Tuck your stomach in.
• Keep your head level - your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Try not push your head forward, backward or to the side.
4. Sleep properly
• Find a mattress that is right for you! Your comfort is important.
• Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems.
• No matter how comfy it is, avoid sleeping on your stomach; sleeping on your side or back is much more beneficial.
• If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.
• If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.

So next time you admit to having bad posture, visit your chiropractor and make a proactive move towards living a healthier (and better looking) life!