As adolescents, many of us can recall our parents and teachers telling us that good posture was the secret to good health later in life!
We all rolled our eyes back then, as this demand seemed irritating. However, we know that good posture goes beyond looks and confidence as we grow older. In fact, sitting and standing with good spinal alignment can help reduce back pain.
Physical therapists are experts at helping patients improve their posture to relieve chronic back pain. Call Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment, and let our skilled PTs assist you in exploring the benefits of physical therapy for back pain.
How will maintaining good posture relieve my back pain?
Your spine is designed to function in a particular way. You can end up causing long-term issues each time you move, sit, or stand in ways that disturb the correct positioning and function of your spine.
Practicing good posture is one way you can work to alleviate back pain with the aid of a licensed physical therapist or chiropractor. PT and chiropractic can help you discover when you are not practicing good posture and develop more safe movement habits that will help alleviate your back pain!
Strategies to improve posture and avoid back pain
1. Learn how to lift heavy items correctly.
If you constantly lift heavy objects, you definitely need to make sure you have good posture!
Good posture is a critical component of lifting objects without hurting yourself. If you lift and fail to use good posture, there is a much higher risk that you will hurt your back.
Ask your physical therapist or chiropractor how to maintain proper posture while lifting. They will teach you to properly lift things, and also guide you through exercises to hold the right posture.
2. Good posture improves blood circulation
There are many components of your spine that require proper circulation to operate the right way and to reform from daily wear and tear. Maintaining the proper spinal alignment means that your veins won’t be as constricted by pressure on your vertebrae.
It might seem like a daunting task, but as your physical therapist guides you through the different exercises and techniques that help with maintaining good posture, you’ll be able to improve at keeping the alignment required for proper circulation.
3. Improved strength and flexibility
According to the Mayo Clinic, “correct posture can boost your productivity and mood, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently.” If you haven’t had good posture for a long period of time anyway, it’s probably best to assume that learning to maintain it isn’t going to be the easiest thing to do.
It might take time in physical therapy to gain the strength and flexibility you need to keep ideal posture and spinal alignment. The work you do and the effort you put in with your physical therapist to achieve your goal will lead to greater overall fitness. The more flexible you get, the stronger you’ll be, and the less likely you are to suffer from nagging back pain every day.
Exercises for improved posture
Maintaining good posture helps you to develop balance, strength, and flexibility. This will result in less muscle pain and more energy throughout the day. When you have proper posture, you’ll experience less stress on your muscles and ligaments, which cuts down on your risk of sustaining an injury.
Healthline offers some great exercises to start practicing at home to improve your posture!
- Child’s pose
Begin by getting on the floor. Sit on your shinbones with your knees together. Your big toes should be touching, and your heels should be splayed out to the side.
Slowly fold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of you, sinking your hips back down towards your feet. Then gently place your forehead on the floor or turn your head to one side. Keep your arms extended or rest them along your body. Breathe deeply and relax in this pose.
- Cat cow pose
Get on your hands and knees with your weight balanced evenly. Inhale as you look up, dropping your abdomen down toward the ground as you extend your spine. Exhale and arch your spine toward the ceiling and tuck your chin into your chest. Continue this movement for at least 1 minute.
Call our clinic today
If you’re struggling to maintain good posture, your back may be suffering as well. Call Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment to work one on one with our licensed physical therapists and chiropractors. We’ll help you improve your posture and combat your back pain once and for all!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/posture-exercises#child’s-pose
Tags: physical therapy, physical therapist, health and wellness, Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, natural treatment, natural pain relief, healthy tips, posture, posture improvement
