Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Easy and Practical Ways to Improve Your Posture

Correct posture is a simple but very important way to keep the many intricate structures in the back and spine healthy. It is much more than cosmetic-good posture and back support are critical to reducing the incidence and levels of back pain and neck pain. Back support is especially important for patients who spend many hours sitting in an office chair or standing throughout the day. 

Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine. Over time, the stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, as well as problems with muscles, discs and joints. All of these can be major contributors to back and neck pain, as well as headaches, fatigue, and possibly even concerns with major organs and breathing.


As a gift this month we are offering free postural evaluations to friends, family and co-workers of our patients. So if you know of anyone that could benefit from our care, have them call us and set an appointment. Below are also simple ways for you to work on your posture and work and at home. 



All you need are two tennis balls. Whether you are at work or your home computer try this easy trick. The idea is to sit up straight and keep the tennis balls pinned against the chair with your shoulder blades.If the balls start to slide down then you know that your posture is incorrect. 







  For this next tip all you need some type of tape that will stay on your skin. This could be special kinesio-tape or first aid tape. Start by retracting you shoulder blades then tape from the middle of one shoulder blade to the other. If you let your shoulders roll forward or begin to slouch you will feel the tape tighten up and pull on you. 




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