Posture

Posture is something that plays an important role in our everyday lives. Your posture can actually affect how you feel. Good posture can provide you with higher energy levels, more confidence, relief of neck tension, migraine relief, prevent back and shoulder issues, and support for already existing chronic back pains.

By correcting posture, you can reduce pain caused by poor posture. Working with a Physiatrist, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or a good Chiropractor can help retrain your body and improve posture.

Learn more about the importance of good posture.

Standing Posture

There are 5 different types of posture problems including:

• Healthy Posture

• Kyphosis Posture

• Flat Back Posture

• Swayback Posture

• Forward Head Posture

If you are experiencing any posture-related neck or back pain, read on to determine which posture type or condition you have and what is causing it.

Good Posture

As displayed in the graphic above, having good posture should keep your body aligned. When standing, if you have your ears lined up over your shoulders, your shoulders lined over your hips, and your hips aligned over your ankles, you stand with healthy posture. Good sitting posture includes two flat feet on the ground, engaged core, upright shoulders, and an even distribution of weight on both hips. Sitting cross legged can cause misalignment of your hips and spine. Practicing good posture and keeping your spine aligned are the most important things you can do for your back. Continue practicing strong posture and poise while standing and while seated to avoid any future complications.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a common condition that results in forward rounding of your upper back region. Compared to natural curves which have a curvature around 20-50 degrees, kyphosis has an excess curve greater than 50 degrees. This causes a hunching back and makes you appear to be slouching. Kyphosis can be seen at any age but is most commonly seen in older women after osteoporosis weakens the bones in the spine until they crack and compress. If you suffer from kyphosis, you may be experiencing back pain or stiffness and have rounded shoulders.

Flat Back

As mentioned before, the spine has a natural curve. It has two curves forming an “S” like shape. When you have flatback syndrome the spine loses the lower curve and becomes flat. This causes the spine to become imbalanced and the person tends to lean forward. If you have flat back you may have trouble standing up straight or having constant back or leg pain. The flat back syndrome may develop due to degenerative disc disease, compression fractures, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Swayback (Lordosis)

Everyone has a natural curve in their spine, it is called lordosis. But when your posture exaggerates this spinal curve, it can cause hyperlordosis or swayback. When this condition occurs, the spine curves inward at the lower back and neck area. It usually causes back pain and discomfort as well as affecting your ability to move. When you suffer from lordosis or swayback it may appear that you are sticking out your stomach and buttocks. It also causes your shoulders to sit further back and your head tilts forward. This will throw off your balance and force your lower back to work harder. This posture condition can be caused by many different things including:

• Osteoporosis

• Kyphosis

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• High Heels

• Stomach Sleeping

Forward Neck or Head

In this posture position, the neck and head are in a forward position where the head is extending out past the shoulders. It is more common today than ever for people to experience something called “tech neck”, caused by constantly hunching over our phones and computers all day resulting in a forward neck tilt. You may be experiencing tension, stiffness, or pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. The body will follow where your head goes, so if your head is forward, your shoulders and back will also hunch forward.

Sitting Posture

Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep your nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People who make a habit of using correct posture are less likely to experience related back and neck pain.

Sleeping Posture

During sleep, your body works to restore and repair itself. Your sleep position can either help or hinder that process, depending on how effectively it supports the natural curvature of your spine. It’s also common for people to wake up with brand new aches and pains in the morning, sometimes due to sleep position.

We spend a third of our lives asleep or resting, so it’s important to choose a sleep position that assists your body with physical recovery. A proper sleep position can relieve stress on your spine, while an unhealthy position can increase pain or stiffness in the back, arms, or shoulders, all while contributing to lower-quality sleep.