Why is Posture Health Important?

We heard it all the time from our parents, grandparents, and teachers when we were kids. “Sit up straight!” It may not have felt like it at the time, but it was practical advice. Most adults nowadays have bad posture and don’t even realize it. The causes of this can range from working at a computer all day, to dealing with a lot of stress, to even simply using our cell phones. That is why it is important for you to check in with your posture and make sure that it is in good shape. Here is why you should and how you can check your posture today.

Improves Your Wellness

It’s simple. Proper posture improves your spinal health, which improves your overall well-being. Having good posture is key to having proper balance in body weight, which is important to do the little things in life, like going up and down the stairs, or simply turning around. At the same time, having good posture gives you a boost in energy, provides back relief, and encourages optimal breathing.

Having a bad posture could also be a sign of other issues you may have that can harm your health in a variety of ways. You could suffer from a variety of symptoms such as headaches, poor circulation, and jaw pain because of having a bad posture. 

Posture Self Evaluation

You might be asking yourself, How do I know if my posture is good? There are several techniques that you can try right now to evaluate your posture. These are easy to follow and can be done anywhere at any time. You may also have a friend or family member assist you while performing the evaluation. 

Ear Lobes to Shoulder

Stand in front of a mirror, or have someone look at your regular standing posture. Your earlobe should be directly over the middle of your shoulder and hip joint. If your earlobe is not directly above your shoulder and hip joint, you are in a forward head posture. 

Wall Test

Stand so that the back of your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks touch the wall.  Your heels should also be 2 to 4 inches from the wall. Put a flat hand behind the small of your back. You should be able to just barely slide your hand between your lower back and the wall for a correct lower back curve.

What You Can Do Right Now?

There are a number of things you can do right now on your own to fix bad posture. You can change your daily habits and even try out some yoga stretches to help improve your posture. 

But, getting your own professional posture screening would be most beneficial. At Chiro One part of your first exam includes a posture screen. Routine chiropractic care and adjustments with one of our doctors will help you to work on techniques to improve your posture, as well as provide a plan to sustain it. 

What to Expect During Your Posture Check

During your Day One appointment at Chiro One, you can expect a posture check during your visit. The posture check includes…

• Discussion of symptoms you may be experiencing
• A crash course on spinal health
• Performing range of motion exercises
• Checking your forward head carriage
• Examination and discussion of your results
• Scheduling your next appointment with your new doctor of chiropractic

In addition to the posture check, your Day One appointment also includes…

• Consultation of your medical history
• Two views of x-rays in the area of main complaint (if necessary)
• Complimentary insurance verification
• Discussion of any possible treatment plans

Find a Chiro One clinic near you and schedule your $20 Day One appointment today!