Posture Matters More Than You Think.

Victoria Fil and Julia Nguyen

Good posture is vital for the musculoskeletal system because it allows your body’s weight to be distributed equally. This allows for less stress on bones, joints, and muscles, which can prevent pain, injury, and better quality. Poor posture can cause muscle pain, digestive issues, and reduced flexibility and mobility.

One of the results of poor posture is great stress on the muscles, bones as well as joints because of the constant strain. According to the International Spine, Pain and Performance Center, “The muscles in your neck, upper body, and shoulders may become tight, tense, and shortened,” which means that something as simple as sitting with a hunched over back can cause lifetime pain over unhealthy habits. Poor posture forces the body out of its natural alignment. When one consistently leans forward or hunches over, certain muscles work harder to hold the head in place, for example, the neck and upper back. This chronic strain contributes to long-term or even permanent musculoskeletal problems.

Another consequence of bad body posture is digestive issues because it can ruin the way it functions. According to Dr. Kyle Staller from Harvard Health, “Slouching puts pressure on the abdomen, which can force stomach acid in the wrong direction,”. This means that when the body is bent over, the abdomen can be compressed, resulting in negative digestive action. This compression can lead to reduced space in the stomach, which is needed to digest food properly. Adding to that, the digestive process can be slowed down, interfering with the movement of the intestine, which can cause permanent harm to the digestive system. Over time, these repeated posture habits can lead to severe discomfort and slower digestion.

Finally, one of many consequences can be a reduction in mobility and flexibility issues because of joint strain. In NIH; News in Health, it is stated, “It can impact your ability to do things for yourself and increase your risk for falls.” This portrays that the body loses flexibility as well as the ability to do everyday tasks. The muscles almost solidify into something like a hunchback or an unnatural posture. This can make things like bending, lifting or even walking more difficult. Poor posture can also result in balance problems because the spine and muscles are poorly aligned. Over time, this instability can lead to higher risks of injuries due to tripping or falling, especially in older adults.

In conclusion, posture not only affects physical appearance but also inabilities, discomfort and health issues. Less stress on bones, joints, and muscles can prevent all of these consequences. Remember, these are only three of many problems bad posture can cause.

Posture has so much effect on our daily lives and impacts more than your physical health, but also your mental health. Posture is how your spine curves and how your muscles are engaged while you are sitting or standing. A healthy spine has 3 curves and an S shape. Millions of Americans suffer from bad posture because of our current lifestyle, such as sitting in front of a computer for hours daily or having to carry heavy objects. Poor posture causes imbalances, forcing your body to require more energy to stay upright. As we have previously discussed, the negative influence of poor posture, let us review the positives of good posture.

Good posture can improve your mood and your mental health. Through research, it was shown that good posture can boost mood and energy. By sitting with good posture, you have an increase of positive thoughts, while bad posture is linked with a tendency toward a negative mindset. Your posture is directly linked with confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Furthermore, there is a decrease in fatigue with good posture.

Additionally, life quality is improved by good posture. There are a significant number of physical health benefits that come from good posture. This can improve your bone, joint, and muscle health, better breathing, fewer headaches, stronger back and core muscles, and injury prevention. By maintaining good posture, your body evenly distributes weight, releasing strain and stress from parts of your body that are causing you pain. This conserves your energy, leaving it for the things that you enjoy. It decreases stress that could cause abnormal wear and tear on your body, which could lead to permanent and threatening damage. To add to that, while slouching gives your lungs less space to expand, good posture does the opposite. By giving your lungs more room to expand, you can take deeper breaths, benefiting your circulation and energy.

It is not too late to fix bad posture. You can start your journey to good posture with a few simple methods. For example, to prevent bad posture at home, stretch, do not sit still for long periods of time, and be aware of your posture as you use digital devices. If you want to work out in a way to improve your posture, try yoga and pilates. Try exercises that are shoulder strengthening, core strengthening, and stretching your chest muscles. If your pain is severe, don’t be afraid to reach out to a physical therapist. Next time you are slouching on your couch or notice your good posture failing, acknowledge that a few simple changes in your lifestyle can improve your mental and physical health.

Sources:

1. https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/posture-and-how-it-affects-your-health
2. https://www.rush.edu/news/power-good-posture
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/is-it-too-late-to-save-your-posture
4. https://www.crosbywellnesscenter.org/blog/the-health-benefits-of-good-posture/