WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD POSTURE?

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD POSTURE?

We all sit slouched on the couch and chairs, it’s a comfortable, relaxed position but is it ideal?

The importance of good posture for your overall health is to help you avoid symptoms like muscle tension, pain, and fatigue. If your posture contributes to one or more health problems, it's never too late to improve it. The benefits of good posture are numerous, including reduced back pain, increased energy, and improved self-confidence.

Good posture contributes to your health in the long run. Maintaining your body in the right position, whether you are moving or still, can prevent many health problems such as pain, injury, and even death.

What is posture?

Body posture refers to how you hold yourself. There are two types:

  • A dynamic posture means holding yourself as you move, such as walking, running, or bending over to pick something up.
  • A static posture is when a person holds themselves in a rigid position, like sleeping, sitting, or standing.

Your posture should be both dynamic and static.

The position of your spine determines posture. Your spine is naturally curvy in three places: at your neck, mid-back, and low back. Maintaining correct posture should not increase curves. While you are standing, place the top of your head above your shoulders, and your shoulders should cover your hips.

What Are the Benefits Of Good Posture?

Practising good posture has various health benefits- many of which are physical, but some are psychological.

Reduced Back Pain

Over 25 per cent of the working population suffers from low back pain due to incorrect posture. Long periods of slouching can put excessive pressure on the discs, ligaments, and muscles in the spine, resulting in low back pain; maintaining a good posture while sitting can help you avoid back pain.

Fewer Headaches

Headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck and upper back. Most headaches are tension headaches characterised by tightness or pressure in the forehead or at the back of the head, along with throbbing, dull pains. Although yoga and stretching may help relieve tension headaches, improving posture may permanently eliminate them.

Higher Lung Capacity

Incorrect posture and slouching can compress the lungs, resulting in difficult breathing and reduced lung capacity. When you adopt good posture, you can increase your lung capacity, thus making breathing easier. Improved breathing with good posture may make it easier to do cardio exercises such as walking, running, and swimming.

How to correct the posture through exercise

Experts and doctors recommend taking a short break every 30 minutes to stretch your limbs or take a short walkabout. The simplest exercises can make a difference, such as moving your neck from side to side, nodding your head down and up, and rolling your shoulders.

You can fix your posture by investing in high-quality ergonomic support and regular stretching and movement. A Posture Aid, for instance, supports you and prevents the spine from slouching unnecessarily.

When you wear a Neck Brace for an extended period, you can maintain your spinal alignment and improve posture. When lying down, Cervical Pillows ensure that your neck and head are aligned properly and improve your sleeping posture.

Sources:

Importance of Good Posture - Lompoc Valley Medical Center
Guide to Good Posture: MedlinePlus