It might feel comfortable to sit in awkward positions while you work or at home enjoying a movie. However, this is causing bad habits that will eventually cause issues down the line because of the strain it’s causing you. The good news is that it’s possible to correct years of bad posture; although it may not be easy at first. Here is what you need to know about correcting years of bad posture.
What is Considered Bad Posture?
We often heard growing up to sit up straight, walk with your head up and shoulders back, etc. This was to avoid bad posture, but you might be wondering what is considered bad posture? When the spine is positioned in an unnatural position it is considered bad posture or postural dysfunction.
The reason why poor posture is bad is because our joints and muscles are left in stressful positions for long periods of time. In addition, bad posture can lead to lower back pain, muscle fatigue, pain in the neck, and other issues.
The Causes of Bad Posture
Unless you have some underlying health condition, chances are your poor posture is a result of lack of awareness or education. Some people are not aware that things like slouching, tilting your head forward to look at your phone, or being in other awkward positions for long periods of time can lead to back problems.
Other reasons why a person would have bad posture is because of their jobs. Most of us who work in an office don’t have the proper back support at our workstations. Also, it’s possible to get so caught up in our work that we don’t realize we haven’t got up to stretch out in a couple of hours. Correcting your posture while you’re sitting, or taking the time to get up from time to time is very important.
Correcting Bad Posture
The good news is there are a couple of things you can do to help improve your posture, even after years of bad habits. However, this includes making some lifestyle changes such as staying active, wearing comfortable shoes, and visiting a chiropractor.
Staying Active
The process of staying active doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym, this means taking breaks at work, and getting up from time to time. It’s so easy to get lost in your work, but being mindful of how long you’ve been working for without moving is very important. It may seem a little distracting especially if you’re used to sitting all day, but little changes can help you out in the long run.
Some helpful recommendations include getting some sunshine during your breaks, going on a short walk, or just stretching. Also, if you have a habit of slouching, be sure to straighten out your back when you catch yourself. Slouching is not only responsible for back, neck, and shoulder pain, but it can also cause poor circulation and bad digestion.
Wearing Comfortable Shoes
As you grow older the need for comfortable shoes surpasses the need for stylish ones. This is because many prefer to be comfortable now, and the need to impress others isn’t as important. However, if you wear high heels, dress shoes, or other types of footwear that are considered “professional” this might be affecting your body negatively.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that the shoes you’re wearing are comfortable. The way you know it’s the perfect fit is:
Cushion: The midsole of the shoe is the part that provides the most cushioning. Proper cushioning, especially in the midsole, helps absorb the shock when you walk.
Foot Support: A shoe with proper foot support helps provide proper alignment for your foot when it touches the ground. This can ensure that your body is not being stressed when you walk and flow more naturally.
Fits Well: We understand this can be an issue because sometimes our shoes might be comfortable, but they make us look good. However, this can affect your spine and other parts of your body. Make sure you have at least 1-1.5cm space to move around in the shoe.
Visiting A Chiropractor
Finally, the best and most effective way of correcting years of bad posture is to visit a Chiropractor. Some people have issues visiting a Chiropractor because they’re afraid that the procedure might hurt. On the contrary, not visiting a Chiropractor to correct years of issues hurts more.
This is because you’ve probably learned to live with the pain, but visiting a Chiropractor can help alleviate that. However, we understand the concern for some people; the good news is when you visit a Chiropractor chances are you’ll receive a consultation on what else could be causing you body pain, and recommendations catered more to your needs.
Conclusion
Is it ever too late to correct bad posture? Probably not, but the longer you wait the longer it will take to correct those issues. The good news is that there are ways to help correct bad posture with some simple lifestyle changes. However, the most effective thing you can do is visit a Chiropractor to get started correcting your posture.
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