by: Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP, CACCP
It is easy to recognize someone with bad posture. You may notice their head is too far forward, rolled shoulders, stomach sticking out and pelvis pushed forward. Often times we describe bad posture as slouching or lazy. It is easy to notice great posture as well - shoulders pulled back, head stacked on the spine, eyes gazing forward. Often we describe great posture as being tall or confident. Are you able to recognize which category you fall into?
Reason number 1 to have great posture:
Your health! Poor posture compresses your spine and rib cage. Therefore, great posture opens your lungs and airways and clears a pathway for your digestive system. Improving your posture will also reduce back and neck pain and can eliminate headaches. Poor posture increase stress on muscles and joints because they are all in stressful, unnatural positions.
Reason number 2 to have great posture:
Confidence! A little known secret to success is to stand tall and assert yourself with your impeccable body mechanics. Think about Charlize Theron, Huge Jackman and Halle Berry and the confidence they bring to each red carpet. On the flip side Kiera Knightley, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are major slouchers. The taller you stand, the more confident you will look and feel!
How to stand taller today:
The first step in improving your posture is to recognize that it is a problem. Also give your spouse, roommate or coworker permission to alert you when your posture is slipping. Check this list and see what you need to do today to make a change.
Change your habits. How do we combat the 8-12 hours per day on a computer or in front of a device and the instinct to ‘get closer’ to our screens? 1. Sit in a chair with a headrest and keep your head locked to it while you type/work 2. Hold your device up to your face, rather than tipping your head towards your device.
Chiropractic Adjustments. Every 4 weeks your body’s soft tissues form adhesions or scar tissue. Getting a chiropractic adjustment helps to break up adhesions before they solidify and reinforces the best posture your body can adopt. Adjustments feel good and are a very efficient way to start and maintain your posture training process.
RockTape. There are several posture tape applications. These last 4-6 days and offer just enough support or ‘pull’ on your skin to remind you to keep your shoulders and head from creeping forward. After a few weeks you will notice that your body has adopted a new, favorable posture.
Braces and gadgets. We are supportive of most of these ‘posture helpers’ as they remind you to adopt a better posture. Check out the brace from VEOLUX and a new electronic helper by UPRIGHT.
Washington Park Chiropractic is the only practice in Denver, Colorado specializing in Sports Chiropractic, Prenatal Chiropractic and Pediatric Chiropractic. Our Wash Park Doctors are expert certified and trained in Sports, Pediatrics and Prenatal Care including massage, acupuncture, Webster Technique, Graston Technique, Laser, K-Laser, Kinesiology Tape, RockTape and Normatec.
Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP, CACCP is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and Certified Prenatal and Pediatric Chiropractor (CACCP). She is a CrossFit L1 and CrossFit Kids Certified Trainer. Dr. Goodman founded Washington Park Chiropractic in 2006 in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Goodman incorporates sports chiropractic techniques with prenatal and pediatric patients, she teaches mobility and taping classes locally, and is a contributor to POPSUGAR, Urban Life Wash Park and DC Aligned. She is a committee member on the boards of the ACA Pediatrics Council and the ACA Sports Council. Areas of special interest include prenatal care, ankle and wrist injuries, instrument assisted soft tissue techniques, strength training, and pediatric fitness. Stay connected with Dr. Goodman on Instagram @washparkchiro or @lisakgoodman