Do you slouch, slump, or hunch when sitting or standing? Have you ever wondered why there is so much emphasis on a good posture? Do you think it relates only to physical appearance or do you think it has actual health benefits? Maintaining a good Posture has always been advised by parents and teachers at schools since our early days, but we have failed to analyze its benefits.

Article Summary: Posture relates to the orientation of the Spinal Cord when we are sitting, lying down, or standing. In this article, you will understand the effects of an improper posture as well as the techniques to correct it.

When your posture is misaligned the resulting consequences include:

1.      Putting excessive pressure and stress on the connective tissues surrounding the joints;

2.      Hindering growth by putting pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves emerging from it;

3.      Making a person appear shorter in height due to slouching;

4.      Development of a hunchback that often leads to health issues as well as loss of self-confidence;

5.      Increased risk of  osteoarthritis due to the wear down of connective tissues that results in the bones of the joints rubbing together and becoming painful;

6.      Disruption of normal organ function due to continuous slouching;

Now, the question arises: how can we prevent an improper posture? Here are a few tips that may be beneficial to you:

• Change your sitting and standing posture;
• Shed extra pounds;
• Ditch wearing high heels daily;
• Invest in a good quality mattress and pillow;
• Exercise regularly.

Change your sitting and standing posture:

If you have an office job and are working long hours, you should invest in a good quality table and chair. You should also make sure your back is resting against the chair when you are sitting. You can do this by putting a cushion or rolled-up cloth behind you. Your knees should be at the same level as your hips and feet should be flat on the floor.

Shed extra pounds:

Bulging belly and extra Body weight can put excess pressure on the back and pelvis. It also weakens the body joints and bones. Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and try to stay in the recommended range for your age and height by devising a workout and diet plan.

Ditch wearing high heels daily:

Let your spine, knees, and sole of your feet rest by wearing heels only occasionally. High heels look smarter, but they tend to misalign the spinal cord and place excess pressure on the knees. The soles of your feet are also hurt by wearing heels for too many hours.

Invest in a good quality mattress and pillow

Choose the right mattress that is not too soft nor too hard. Always put a pillow under your head while you are sleeping. Try to sleep on your sides instead of sleeping on your back or stomach.

Exercise regularly

Keep yourself healthy by exercising on a regular basis. Go for a walk or jogging at least three to five times a week. Indulge in healthy activities on a regular basis so that you can have strong muscles that support your spine and indeed your whole body.

Bottom Line:

Always remember to take care of your posture because the consequences of a poor one are beyond looks and appearance. A proper posture supports and balances the body. As a result, you will have more strength and the chances of osteoarthritis and joint pain will also decrease.

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