Posture Do’s & Don’ts
There are many good and bad things you can do for your body's health. One major way to keep your body healthy is to come see us at Butler Chiropractic Associates. Another good way to support your health is through your posture. Your daily posture plays a major role in how your body's health will be. Here are some tips to help keep your spine aligned throughout your day!
DO'S AND DONT'S FOR HEALTHY POSTURE.
How can posture affect my health?
Poor posture can be bad for your health. "Slouching" or "slumping" over can:
Misalign your musculoskeletal system.
Wear away at your spine, making it more fragile and prone to injury.
Cause neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Decrease your flexibility.
Affect how well your joints move.
Affect your balance and increase your risk of falling.
Make it harder to digest your food.
Make it harder to breathe.
Sitting Posture
Do sit up straight in a chair with your feet resting flat on the floor or a footrest.
Do use a small pillow or lumbar roll to support your lower back.
Do ensure your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, either slightly elevated, level, slightly below the level of your hips.
Do keep your computer monitor at eye level so you don’t have to lean forward or look down.
Don’t slouch forward in your chair.
Don’t cross your legs while sitting.
Don't sit with you wallet in your back pocket.
Standing Posture
Do stand up straight with your shoulders back and your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
Do support your weight on the balls of your feet more than the heels.
Do stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart.
Don’t slouch forward or to the side.
Don’t stand on one leg while the other leg is crossed behind you.
Walking Posture
Do keep your head up and your shoulders back while walking.
Do swing your arms naturally as you walk.
Do keep your stomach muscles engaged while you walk to help keep your body upright.
Don’t walk with a hunched back or rounded shoulders.
Don’t swing your arms across your body while walking.
Sleeping Posture
Pressure on the back varies with sleeping position.
Do sleep on your back as it produces the least amount of pressure.
Do use pillows under your neck and knees if on your back.
Do sleep on your side while using pillows between your ear and the bed and also between your knees to maintain spine alignment.
Do keep your top leg even with, or slightly behind your bottom leg, with both knees bent when on your side.
Don't sleep on your stomach as it is the most stressful sleeping position for your spine.
Do visit your Butler Chiropractic Associate!
By having proper and routine chiropractic care, we can help you keep correct spinal alignment and maintain a healthier, pain-free you!
Call us today to start your care!