Within the world of chiropractic care, a common term and focus area is posture, both seated and otherwise. Many forms of back, neck and other body pain are either caused or exacerbated by poor posture, even in areas you may not have thought were connected.
At Apollo Chiropractic, our chiropractic care services include assisting patients with several areas of posture, whether seated and working a desk job or taking part in regular physical activity like sports or other events. Did you know that May of every year is Correct Posture Month around the country? With this in mind, let’s go over a few general posture themes that are sometimes glossed over, and how you can promote spinal and overall health through some very basic approaches in this area.
Exercise, Muscle Strength and Posture
When it comes to observing proper posture, you need the right kind of strength and support from various muscle groups. Someone who has not built up the right muscles and strength will not even be capable of proper posture, even if they want to maintain it.
Now, we’re not talking about anything too crazy here. But basic forms of simple exercise, from minor cardio to little areas like sit-ups, toe touches and others that will keep the spine active, can go a long way. Even basic daily walks or jobs can help strengthen the muscles, allowing you to maintain proper posture – and eventually, to work up to even more effective exercises that continue promoting this sort of thing. This is a positive cycle that it’s good for everyone to get into: Exercise gives way to greater muscle strength and better posture, which in turn builds and allows for increased exercise.
General Awareness
Another huge concept that can play a major role in correct posture: Being generally aware of how you move and don’t move during an average day. Consider several of your most common movements or seated positions – how are you aligned?
So for instance, consider your posture while walking. Do you hold your head high, or droop it slightly? How much do your shoulders slouch? Do you spent lots of time looking down at a phone, or mostly looking up at what’s coming? You can apply this same basic analysis to any other movement or position you’re regularly in, then assess areas where you aren’t moving efficiently and work to improve them. Just a little time spent focusing on these areas can make a huge difference.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Finally, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy services can be a big help for posture concerns. Our chiropractors have numerous techniques that are meant to alleviate pain and blockages, all in natural ways that will help you develop permanent habits that will stick.
For more on how chiropractic care can help with posture, or to find out more about Correct Posture Month or any of our other services, speak to the staff at Apollo Chiropractic today.