Because sitting puts more pressure on the back than standing does, people who sit for long periods of time without getting up and moving around will likely find themselves having to worry about poor posture not just while sitting, but also while standing. Posture is one of the factors that many doctors look at when evaluating the overall health of their patients and is something that chiropractors are especially concerned about. Bad posture will, over time, contribute to a wide variety of issues with the skeletal system, muscles, and ligaments.

Why Does Good Posture Matter?

Good posture has a very real link to reduced muscle and joint pain, as well as to a person’s mood. Just about every type of doctor recommends standing up straight in order to reduce pain and improve mood. But good posture probably does not mean what most people think it means. The ears should be over the shoulders, shoulder over the hips, hips over the knees, and knees over the ankles, with body weight evenly distributed across the feet. When people sit for the majority of their day, it is difficult to achieve this posture.

How Does Sitting Contribute to Bad Posture?

Sitting contributes to bad posture because most people do not sit properly. Most people sit, hunched forward, with their legs or ankles crossed. They sit like this for a long period of time, misaligning their joints and putting pressure on those joints. When they stand, it is much more comfortable to remain slumped and out of alignment than it is to actually stand up straight and use correct posture, even if poor posture will, in time, contribute to back pain and joint pain. Those who sit constantly are also less likely to have adequate muscle tone and are more likely to be overweight, two things that further contribute to poor posture.

Is There a Way to Correct Poor Posture?

There are a few different ways to correct poor posture. The first is to change sitting and waking habits. This includes keeping the head forward when walking and sitting. People should also avoid slouching when sitting and walking. In order to avoid slouching, patients should consider visualizing a string that runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine, and align the back appropriately. The less someone slouches, the better posture they will have.

For people that have a difficult time sitting straight, it’s important to engage in stretching. Yoga and other stretching activities will help with posture. For patients that aren’t sure which stretches will help with posture, they can consult a chiropractor. The chiropractor will teach stretches that will help with posture and also make sure the bones in the spine are properly aligned to make it easier on the patient. 

For more information about how sitting contributes to poor posture, or to make an appointment with a chiropractor, visit Horst Chiropractic today. Our staff members can schedule your appointment and answer your questions so you know what to expect during your appointment.