Signs and Symptoms You Have Poor Posture – A Chiropractor Can Help!

Having a neutral spine is essential to balance. You get to center your body weight on your feet if you stand up straight. Not only does having good balance matter when rising from a chair, walking down the block, or toting packages. Good posture also helps maintain the correct form of your body while engaging in sport or physical activity. This lessens your risk of injury and improves execution.


Besides poor balance, bad posture can result in neck and back pains. An article published in Harvard Health Publishing also examined the surprising risks of poor posture. These include incontinence, constipation, heartburn, and slowed digestion. Do you want to avoid these even before they become an issue? Here are the three visible signs of postural dysfunction:

Your Head and Neck Jabs Forward

Due to the rising popularity of digital devices like computers and smartphones, frequent users usually exhibit poor posture. This can result in the painful shortening of your neck muscles and compression of the uppermost vertebrae of your spine, which support your head and protect your spinal cord. The increase of compressive forces and muscle tension in these parts can lead to various symptoms. These include headaches, neck and shoulder pain, chest pain, and even numbness or tingling sensation in your arms and hands. 

You Slouch Your Shoulders and Hunch Lazily

Many daily tasks can disrupt how your neck, back, and shoulder muscles function. These include the use of digital devices, prolonged sitting, and driving a vehicle. You may also have rounded shoulders if you bend over repeatedly or carry heavy loads all day. You may suffer from neck and upper back pain if there's increased stress on your shoulder joints. Without treatment, this slumped position can be harmful. 

You Have Hyperlordosis or an Arching Lower Back

Poor posture is one of the most common reasons why people have a C-shaped curve in their lumbar region. People with hyperlordosis have a curved spine and deal with lower back pain. Other causes include lack of exercise, obesity, and underlying spinal conditions. A 2017 study shows a correlation between abnormal curvature of the spine and degenerative joint disease. It's not clear which of the two health issues caused the other. But experts believe that putting extra strain on your joints can increase your risk of such disease. 

How Chiropractic Care Can Correct Poor Posture

Like many people, the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of spinal manipulation is probably the loud cracking noise. But chiropractic adjustments aren't anything you should be scared of. The process tends to be gentle and cause only minimal discomfort. This technique can help reduce muscle tension, improve joint movement, and ease any pain from postural dysfunction. 

Chiropractors primarily work with the spine and other bones in the body. But they can also introduce muscle relaxation, stretching, and strengthening exercises. This way, they can fix any imbalance in your soft tissues, which is also essential in maintaining good posture. 


 

Your posture is more than just how you position your body. The adverse effects of postural dysfunction can carry over not only into your physical health. But it can also have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Are you struggling with pain or other problem from poor posture? Visit our qualified chiropractors today at Cooper Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Call our office in New York, New York, at (332) 205-9073 to make an appointment.