Poor Posture Making You Look Bad? Do This
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | March 16, 2023 | Read Time: 6 minutes
Are you hunched over? Do you feel like you can’t stand up straight? “Bad” or “poor” posture is a sign that your spine, as a whole unit, is not in alignment. What does that mean? Therefore, the spine has assumed an abnormal position, and as a result, the muscles and ligaments of the spine become tightened, leading to restriction of movement and pain.
What causes “bad” or “poor” posture?
Abnormal posture can result from trauma, damaged hard tissues (e.g., bones), injured soft tissues (e.g., muscle strains, ligament sprains, disc herniations), as well as the following:
- Tight muscles
- Tight ligaments
- Joint dysfunction (e.g., joints are not moving correctly)
- Joint malposition (e.g., the joint is not in the correct position to move freely, and correctly)
- Joint degeneration (e.g., spinal arthritis)
- Degeneration disc disease (DDD)
- Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
- Abnormal development of the bones
Spinal Curves
The curves of the spines function to withstand the pressure of gravity and to allow the forces to be transferred through the spine into the shoulder and pelvic girdle and out through the extremities (e.g., arms and legs). Looking at the spinal column from the side-view, the curves of the spine make an “S” shaped curve. Click here to learn how about spinal curve development.
If You Feel Tight… Stretch!
If your poor posture is caused by tight muscles and ligaments, then stretching daily, or practicing yoga will be helpful. Stretching helps to elongate or lengthen the soft tissue structures. The more stress or demand you place on the soft tissue structures, the more the soft tissues will adapt mechanically. In other words, the soft tissues will lengthen over time, and be less restricted. Furthermore, as your tissues become less restricted, your muscles and ligaments will naturally relax, thereby freeing your body of unwanted tension and stress. In addition, your body will resume a more natural postural position.
Below are a few simple stretches you can perform daily, to improve joint flexibility.
- Knee-to-Chest Stretch
- Lower Back Twist
- Upper Trap Stretch
- Hamstring Stretch
- Cobra Stretch
- Prayer Stretch
- Downward Facing Dog
There are many stretches you can perform. Millions of practice yoga and attend pilates classes as tools to improve their flexibility, balance, and posture. Check out my book, Say Goodbye to Back Pain! Exercise, Nutrition, and More! as an additional resource for exercise and stretches to relieve back pain.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler @drtiffanybutler
