The spine is not an inflexible rod as some people would believe. In fact, it is quite flexible. Structurally strong, it reflects the dynamic movement of the human body. It not only supports the body and all its organs, but it also protects the sensitive and delicate spinal cord and spinal nerves. Every activity, even breathing, demands movement of the spine, ribs and attachments. The spine gives the human structure both strength and agility.
Man is one of a small group of beings that is classified as a “biped” (stands erect on two legs). While this particular position gives man the advantages of agility, leverage and mobility, it also creates certain structural stresses. The body must adapt to the continual stress of gravity in order to maintain its balance.
The most obvious benefit of good posture is efficiency and comfort. Yet, because of the interrelationship of the structural (bone) and functional (organ) systems of the body, posture is also a factor which can determine health. For example, poor posture compromises the movements of the rib cage and does not allow the lungs to function at maximum efficiency in order to bring much-needed oxygen to the tissues and eliminate carbon dioxide wastes. Other vital organs of the body are also restricted when body posture is improper. This produces structural stress.
A doctor of chiropractic (DC) is a specialist in body mechanics. Who is concerned with structural, muscular and neurological aspects of the human body and aimed at maintaining the sound structure of the body by correcting spinal and postural distortions, and preventing functional and structural health problems?
The Importance of Posture to Physical Development
While people with good posture stand straighter and look better, there are advantages to correct posture that go beyond appearance.
In 1930, the White House Conference on Child Health recognized the importance of spinal integrity in the physical development of the child. Since then, doctors of all disciplines have stressed its importance to the health-further substantiation of chiropractic’s emphasis on the importance of good body mechanics.
The human body is like a machine, is subject to balance, rhythm, timing and coordinated action of all its components. Correct posture enables the body to function more efficiently allowing proper development.
Can Posture Affect Mental Attitude?
Posture affects your image as others see you and as you see yourself. It reflects personality, confidence, attitude, ability and the overall health.
There is an interrelationship between how you stand, sit and walk, and how you feel. More than anything else,it is a tip-off to others as to whether you are a positive person or a negative person, a strong person or a weak person, a healthy person or an ill person.
Check Your Posture
There are many tests for evaluating your posture, many of which require precise instruments and expert evaluation. However, you may want to give yourself a preliminary self-test.
Test #1. Stand with your back to the wall. Place your head, shoulder blades, calves and heels against the wall. Place your hands at your sides. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing the buttocks back against the wall. If the space at the back of your waist is greater than the thickness of your hand, your posture is not correct.
Test #2. Face a wall with your toes touching the wall. If your posture is correct, your chest will just touch the wall. If your head touches, your posture is fair. If your abdomen touches, your posture is poor.
Test #3. Face a full-length mirror and view your shoulders and hips. These areas should be level. If one shoulder is higher or one hip is lower, there is an imbalance in your posture which should be checked professionally.
If a postural problem is indicated as a result of the self-test, it would be wise to discuss it with a doctor of chiropractic (contact us).
What Causes Poor Posture?
There are many reasons for poor posture, the most serious of which is a birth defect. In many cases, it is a combination of several reasons that causes a person to have poor posture. Among the causes are the following.
1. Visual problems.
2.Emotional problems.
3.Excessive weight.
4.Foot problems or improper shoes.
5. Weak muscles, muscle imbalance.
6. Improper nutrition.
7. Laziness.
8. Poor sleep support(mattress).
9. Injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones.
10. Negative mental and physical attitudes.
11. Occupational stress and position.
The effects of poor posture can be serious in terms of health, comfort and efficiency, causing fatigue. Many problems can be helped. If you or a member of your family has what appears to be a postural problem, you should seek the advice of a doctor of chiropractic (contact us). The chances for correction are excellent.
If not corrected, poor posture can affect the health and well-being of the individual. Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing; a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination; and poor venous return, each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs but also the system. Lack of energy and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.
What Are The Benefits Of Correct Posture?
1. improves your health.
2. Improves your appearance.
3. Improves your coordination.
4. Increases your strength.
5. Gives you more stamina.
6. Makes your clothes fit better.
7. Gives you confidence.
8. Gives you better body balance and makes you more agile.
9. Reduces the possibility of injury.
10. Aids in physical and mental development.
For more information on how to correct your posture, or spine diseases, join others in giving testimonies. Contact us