Posture and Ergonomics Quiz

Is Bad Posture Affecting Your Health?

Take this simple quiz:

  • Do you often have tension headaches, burning pain between your shoulder blades or an achy low back?
  • Does your head ever feel heavy after doing desk work?
  • Do you have a job requiring long hours of sitting or repetitive work?
  • Do you carry a heavy purse, bag or child on only one side?
  • Do you have pain after working but not as much on weekends?
  • Does stress tend to make your pain or headaches worse?
  • Has anyone ever told you that you slouch?
  • Have you ever been told you have a sway back or a curve in your spine?
  • Do you take pain relieving medications daily or almost daily?
  • Are you aware that you have bad posture but don’t know how to fix it?

Answering  “Yes” to any of these questions could indicate that you have a postural problem as the underlying cause for your condition.

Proper posture not only helps to decrease chronic pain, but it has the added benefit of increasing self confidence, poise and beauty.  Clothes hang better and look more elegant. Energy levels may increase as good posture allows your ribs to expand to let more air into your lungs.

The first step to good posture is AWARENESS.
BE AWARE of your posture.
Try these suggestions:

  • Avoid slouching at work. Bring your keyboard closer to you. Get a chair with no back or sit on an exercise ball to maintain a low back curve.
  • Carry heavy purses/backpacks on both shoulders or crossed over your body. This will decrease the muscle imbalance and strain on your shoulders.
  • Study or read with your book propped up in front of you. Many headaches can be caused by a bent forward position of the neck causing the neck muscles to tire.
  • Keep your shoulder blades down and back. This will allow your ribcage to properly expand, and reduce upper back tension.

These tips will help, though they are an initial step in postural remodeling. Training to stretch and strengthen the proper muscles is essential, and professional expertise may be needed to help you rebalance your body.

It is Important to Remember:

Most likely, your postural problems have been developing since adolescence. A long-term problem will never have a quick fix, so remember, have patience. Expect it to take approximately 3-4 months for significant results in postural improvements. You are trying to break long-term habits.

Many people find that visiting a chiropractor who focuses on postural remodeling is the most effective and fastest way to improve posture and begin to live a healthier lifestyle.

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