September 26, 2022
Our mothers and grandmothers constantly told us to “sit up straight.” It turns out these wise women probably knew something we didn’t. Good posture leads to good health.
In short, good posture depends on your spine’s position. Ideally, whether you’re sitting, standing, or sleeping, your head, shoulders, neck, spine, and hips should be well-aligned for good static posture.
Poor posture can result in a wide range of health issues including:1
shoulder, back, and neck pain
Over time, slouching or slumping while seated can create pressure on your spine, shoulder, and neck.
breathing problems
If your body is not in proper alignment, your diaphragm cannot expand and contract fully, reducing the oxygen you take in.
circulation problems
Sitting with bad posture for long periods puts pressure on the spine and reduces circulation, leading to issues like high blood pressure, bladder problems, and varicose veins.
Slumping in your chair can create pressure on your head and neck.
mood
Bad posture can lead to fatigue and irritability. Sitting up straight can make you feel confident and in control.
Constantly looking down at your phone, tablet, or laptop can lead to “tech neck”. When you tilt your head down, between 45-60 degrees, it puts 50-60 pounds of stress on your neck. Compared to the 10-12 pounds when your head is straight up.2
Fair. But the truth is that good posture, in most cases, is simply a matter of habit. And habits can be formed as well as broken. You can make a few minor changes in your posture, repeat them daily, and improve your health. Start creating good posture habits while you are:
working: Sit all the way back in your chair and keep your feet on the floor; get up and walk around every hour; and stay hydrated
driving: Keep your seat back upright and bend your knees slightly; use your seat’s lumbar support or a rolled-up towel behind your lower back
dressing: Skip the pumps and choose lower shoes for daily wear
sleeping: Back sleepers – use a small pillow under your neck; side sleepers – keep your head level with your spine
exercising: Build those core muscles – especially your abs – to support your spine
relaxing: Stretch while you’re watching tv; get a massage from a partner
Stand with the back of your head touching the wall and your heels about 6 inches away from it. If your posture is OK, your backside will touch the wall, and your lower back and neck will be 2-3 inches from it. If not, ask a doctor for help improving your posture.
If posture issues like headaches, neck pain, or back pain are affecting your overall health, turn to MDLIVE for reliable 24/7 care. MDLIVE board-certified doctors provide care for more than 80 common, non-emergency conditions.
Believe it or not, in the 1950s and 60s, Miss Perfect Posture pageants were held. Contestants were judged not only on beauty, but also by their spinal X-rays, and whether both sides of their bodies were equally weighted.
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* If you have a medical or mental health emergency, call 911. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a life-threatening condition or acute or severe symptoms.
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