“Stand up straight! Don’t slouch!” 

We’ve all heard those classic words of advice at some point in our lives but they are words worth listening to. Posture refers to your body position when sitting, standing, lying down, and performing various movements such as bending, twisting, and lifting. Good posture promotes good health. Not only can it help alleviate and/or prevent headaches, neck pain, and back pain, it can also:

• Decrease your risk of suffering an injury
• Decrease stress on the spine, joints, and ligaments
• Decrease normal wear and tear on joints
• Prevent muscle fatigue

But what effects can poor posture have on your health? It creates muscle imbalances in your body which can increase your risk of injury, cause muscle spasms, accelerate wear and tear on your joints and ligaments, decrease your flexibility, increase your risk of falling, and impair your digestion and breathing. 

There are many reasons for poor posture and it’s not always because you’re lazy or have gotten into the habit of slouching. Poor posture can be caused by non-ergonomic workstations or medical reasons such as an injury you may have suffered which decreased your range of motion. You may also simply lack the strength needed in key areas to help stabilize your posture such as your core. 

So what can you do? Get an evaluation from Agape Tree Therapy, especially if you’re experiencing pain, muscle spasms, or headaches. If you’re unsure what your posture should be or if you’re too far out of alignment to be able to correct your posture on your own, Agape Tree Therapy can help. You can also:

1. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, this is especially important when you’re sitting.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can cause undue stress on joints and ligaments which can cause compensation in other areas. 
3. Be active. Activities that focus on balance, stretching, and strength can all be beneficial.
4. Ensure that you have an ergonomically-friendly workstation, preferably with a sit-to-stand option and adjustable monitor arms. 

Have you been injured? Are you experiencing chronic pain, muscle spasms, or headaches? An evaluation from Agape Tree Therapy may be the first step to a better life. The key to health is movement. Live pain-free, stay pain-free by booking an appointment with Agape Tree today by calling 563-265-1218. 

Thrive, don’t just survive. 

Stay tuned for our follow-up article, “What Good Posture Actually Means.”