Although we may think that our posture is a individual preference, our parents reminders to stand up straight hold a lot of merit.
These continuous reminders may have infuriated us but good posture results in more than just an appearance of confidence, it affects our health.
Proper posture means our muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves are able to function as they should ? and without interference. Sure, we are meant to be flexible ? but being crooked, bent or just hunched over leaves us working against our optimal design.
One of the most widespread of poor posture today is a forward head posture. Our daily activities ? being on the PC, TV, video games, desk work, driving the car ? all lend to us putting our head forward and can cause pain in our neck, shoulders, or even migraines.
Now think of your head as a twelve to fifteen pound bowling ball. Kind of heavy, is it not?
Holding a bowling ball close to your body for a short period of time might be possible, but doing this while the ball is extended even one or two inches continually certainly becomes harder.
The best position for your head is therefore a no-brainer and it is supposed to be right over the top of your neck and shoulders. And if we hold our heads forward even one inch in front of its normal position, our neck has to work quite a lost harder to hold it there (remember the bowling ball).
The non neutral forward head position can even lead to spinal disc problems as the muscles are over-used in front and stretched and strained in the back.
If you are experiencing neck pain, shoulder pain or headaches, it may be from poor posture, but there are some steps that you can take to help yourself.
Its about YOU!
Assessment of your circumstance is the first step to eliminate the neck, shoulder, or upper back pain that you are experiencing.
An evaluation of your posture by a qualified chiropractor is your first step. Importantly, a professional assessment can save you a lot of time, money and frustration because it can identify the source of the issue as well as giving you the solution.
So get with a Chiropractor that knows his or her stuff to check your posture. This is the FIRST STEP.
Even before you go see your chosen chiropractor, a easy posture check that you can do at home is easily performed to rapidly identify some key issues. To complete this test stand with your back towards the wall about six inches away, back up and note which body parts reaches the wall first.
1) Head
2) shoulders
3) Behind
4) heels
If all body parts did not touch the wall at the same time, your posture could use some adjustment.
Your muscles are responsible for your posture and some straightforward stretching and strengthening can help these muscles begin functioning optimally again.
If following the wall test your shoulders did not touch first and your posture appears rounded and slumped forward, you will likely benefit from stretching your chest (pectoral) muscles. A simple stretch for this muscle group involves standing in a doorway and extending your arm so that your elbow is against the door frame, then slowly stepping forward until you feel the stretch across the front of your chest area. Do it again with the other arm and you should feel your shoulders move into a more open position more easily.
Or if your head did not touch first, you can lengthen the muscles in the forward portion of your neck and strengthen the muscles in the back of your neck with the chin tuck. While sitting or standing straight up, use your neck to pull your chin straight back as far as you can. Hold for 5-15 seconds and return to the starting position.
Performing the correct exercises for your identified postural issues is step two of the solution.
Fortunately for most of us easy exercises and awareness of posture reduce neck pain. For others though, additional chiropractic treatment is warranted, especially for long standing postural issues that went unattended for years.
Unfortunately, the body has no natural way to eliminate of scar tissue ? and neither can you exercise it away. However, various techniques have been developed to eliminate scar tissue from inside your body. Chiropractors knowledgeable in either Active Release Techniques or the Graston Technique will be able to eliminate your scar tissue so that proper posture can be restored.
Now,if your posture has been bad since your mother was nagging you about it, or even if it is something you are noticing by always flunking the wall test, do yourself a favor and sit up straight, eat well, get enough sleep and go see a Chiropractor for an assessment and instruction in the exercises you need. You will be glad you did!
Let Dr. Sexton help eliminate your neck pain. She is a renowned Houston Clear Lake chiropractor helping many people just like you. For a limited time, Dr. Sexton is offering 50% off an initial consultation with a copy of this article. Call 281-286-2229 to set your appointment now.
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Tags: cervical spine, Chiropractic, Chiropractor, head, Headache, Headache And Vomiting, Health, live pain-free, neck, neck pain, pain relief, posture, shoulder