Poor posture and its effects on our spine
Poor posture c
an cause neck pain by straining muscles and ligaments that support the neck, resulting in injury over time. The head-and-shoulders-forward posture is the most common example of poor posture that contributes to neck pain. This occurs when the neck slants forward, placing the head in front of the shoulders. When you sit at your desk to work, hold your shoulders and arms at a 90-degree angle. Position your monitor straight ahead at eye level. Most people place it so they’re looking downward, but this greatly increases neck strain. A 2014 study on text neck — also called tech neck, a problem caused by constantly looking down at your phone or tablet — found that when you hold your head in line with your shoulders, it only weighs about 10 pounds. But for every inch you tilt it forward, the amount of weight it places on your spine nearly doubles. Standing poorly prompts similar problems for your neck and back. If you have access to a standing desk at your office, that’s a nice option. But you’ll still need to watch your posture. Keep your spine in a neutral position. Don’t jut your butt backward or lean too far forward. Standing or sitting in those positions can cause low back pain. Ask the Doc
What is the fastest way to fix forward head posture? Chin tucks are one of the key exercises recommended to help keep the head aligned above the spine. Stand with your upper back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Face forward, tuck your chin down, and pull your head back until it meets the wall. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds before resting, and repeat 10 times. Stretches and strengthen exercises, along with regular chiropractic care can help correct and prevent postural aches and pains.
