Posture

If you want an example of good posture, just look at a young child – their back shows a graceful ‘S’ curve and their movements are easy and effortless. As we get older, bad habits such as slouching and inactivity cause muscle fatigue and tension that ultimately lead to poor posture. The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly.

You can improve your posture and spinal health by making a few lifestyle adjustments. See your doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or Alexander technique teacher for further information and advice.

Symptoms can include: Headache#

Poor posture interferes with a number of the body’s postural mechanisms including: Nervous system feedback on the body’s position in space. Skeletal muscle is made up of two types of muscle fiber – static (often called ‘slow twitch’) and phasic (often called ‘fast twitch’). Generally, static muscle fibers are found in the deeper muscle layers.

They help us to maintain posture without too much effort and contribute to balance by ‘sensing’ our position and relaying this information to the brain. Phasic muscle fibers are used for movement and activity. Static fibers burn energy slowly and can keep working for a long time without tiring.

However, phasic fibers quickly run out of steam#

Poor posture causes muscle fatigue because it calls on the phasic fibers instead of static fibers to maintain the body’s position. Over time, poor posture that demands support from phasic fibers causes the deeper supporting muscles to waste away from lack of use. Weak, unused muscles tend to tighten and this shortening of muscle length can compact the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and worsen posture.

The deeper layers of muscle are concerned with ‘sensing’ our position in space and relaying this information to the brain.

If this function is taken over by muscles that mainly contain phasic fibers, the brain gets an incomplete picture. The brain assumes that the body needs to be propped up to counteract the effects of gravity, so it triggers further muscle contraction.

This adds to the general fatigue and pain felt by the person with poor posture. Good posture feels effortless, which is why traditional ‘good posture’ suggestions like throwing your shoulders back and sticking out your chest may feel uncomfortable too. Instead, listen to your body.

Make minor adjustments while standing and sitting#

Which position feels the easiest and most graceful? In most cases, concentrating on other tasks (such as work) can direct attention away from any feelings of physical discomfort. Get into the habit of regularly tuning in to your body.

If you feel muscle tension or fatigue, move into another position.

• Remember the rule of ‘curve reversal’ – for example
• if you’ve been leaning over your desk
• stretch back the other way. Perform stretching exercises two or three times a week to boost muscle flexibility

Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength and tone#

Stretch your neck muscles regularly by turning your head from one side to another. Your abdominal muscles support your lower back, so make sure they are in good condition. Do ‘abdominal crunches’ (lie on your back and curl your ribcage and pelvis as close together as possible) rather than straight-backed sit-ups (which exercise the muscles of the hips and thighs).

Avoid standing on one foot for long periods of time. Cross your legs at the ankle, rather than the knee. Suggestions include:

• Avoid sitting in soft
• squashy chairs. Use lumbar rolls to support your lower back when sitting in regular chairs or driving the car

Switch to ergonomic chairs in the office or for any activity that requires you to sit for long periods of time. Make sure your mattress is supportive enough to keep your spine straight when lying on your side.

Use a pillow that supports your neck#

Keep your back straight and use your thigh muscles when lifting heavy weights. The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly. Suggestions to improve your posture include regular exercise and stretching, ergonomic furniture and paying attention to the way your body feels.

See your physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or Alexander technique teacher for further information and advice. Symptoms of poor posture Rounded shoulders Potbelly Bent knees when standing or walking Head that either leans forward or backward Back pain Body aches and pains Muscle fatigue Postural mechanisms ‘Slow twitch’ and ‘fast twitch’ muscle fibers Muscle strength and length Two types of muscle fibers Muscle strength and length Nervous system feedback on the body’s position in space Listen to your body Improve your general posture Maintain good posture

Where to get help#