Let’s face it, none of us have perfect posture all of or even, some of the time!
But, it is an enormous contributor to discomfort and pain.
With consistently poor postures, we know that it can lead to muscle imbalances and strains on ligaments, and joints.
Here’s how poor posture can contribute to pain:
Muscle Imbalance:
- Poor posture can cause certain muscles to become overactive and tight whilst others become weak and underactive. For example, if we frequently slouch, the muscles in our upper back and shoulders may become overstressed whilst the muscles in our lower back may weaken.
Spinal Misalignment:
- Poor posture can lead to poor alignment in our spine which can put pressure on our spinal discs, nerves, and joints.
- This can lead to pain such as low back pain and sciatica.
Increased strain on muscles:
- Incorrect postures can place excess strain on muscles that are not designed to support in those ways. This can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort or pain.
Reduced blood flow:
- Poor posture can compress blood vessels and limit blood flow to certain areas, potentially causing muscle tension, discomfort, and even numbness.
Nerve compression:
- Poor posture can sometimes compress nerves leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and RSI. These can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.
Consider these steps to address and help combat the effects of poor posture
Awareness:
Pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Think ‘tall’ and ‘lengthened’ and with your shoulders relaxed.
Ergonomics:
Ensure that your work environment, whether that be at-home or office based, supports correct alignment. Make sure that you use your chair correctly – if you sit forwards out of your chair, your correct spinal alignment will be lost.
Strengthening exercises:
Engage in exercises that strengthen the muscles responsible for maintaining good posture. Speak to Jo or Catherine about these specifically or take a look at our recommended core exercises.
Stretching:
Incorporate regular stretching into your routine to improve flexibility and release tension in muscles that may have become fatigued and tight due to poor posture.
Regular movement:
Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing in one position. Take regular breaks.
Seek professional help:
If you’re experiencing persistent pain related to poor posture, contact us here at Functional Physio. We will assess your problem and treat where necessary plus provide tailor-made exercises and recommendations to help alleviate your symptoms.
Think about a regular Pilates class with us. They’re relaxed and informal classes yet we’ll make sure we keep a clinical eye on you to guide you towards better function and less discomfort.
