• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Stand taller for posture month

Chiropractic Economics May 1, 2011

May 1, 2011 — May is National Correct Posture Month, and it seems mom was even right about standing up straight. Improving your posture is not just about looking good. Studies show people with better posture really are healthier and actually live longer.  

From kids with backpacks or cane-carrying seniors — studies show poor posture is a major cause of back and neck pain for all ages, and over time often contributes to digestive and cardio-pulmonary problems.

posture2

Here’s three things to help keep you standing tall:

1. Take an annual posture picture to set the benchmark for your body. Ask a friend to take your picture from the front, back and side. Print them out, one to a sheet, and look at your body symmetry.

Just comparing posture pictures from year to year can be eye-opening. You can assess your alignment by putting a dot between your feet on the front and back view, and at your ankle on the side view. Then, fold each paper in half neatly at the dot.

Front and back view: The two halves of your body should be the same. If your head and/or torso is off to one side, or your arms are hanging differently, your posture is not symmetrical.

Side view: The line from your ankle should pass thru your shoulder and ear. If your head is way forward of that line, you may have a posture distortion called forward head posture (FHP).

File your posture picture and compare it to a new one next year.

2. Do posture strengthening exercises to maximize the benefit of any workout, or as a beginning exercise to get in shape. Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Pilates are all great for building body awareness and control.

Best posture stork: Train yourself to stand tall while building good posture by balancing on one foot.  First, stand tall with your best posture and then focus on staying tall and straight as you lift your thigh so your knee is at hip height.  Keep standing tall for 30 seconds on each side, focusing on keeping your body well aligned.

Vertical wall stand: Back up to a wall so your heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head all lightly touch the wall while you keep everything level, relaxed and aligned — and take three slow breaths, feeling your body’s best posture. Note: If you feel any areas of stress, get your posture checked by a professional.

3. Choose smart posture habits, Get a good chair, and change it’s position during the day. If you’re going to play videogames, exercise more than your thumbs with games with one that makes you move such as the motion sensing videogame consoles.

Invest in quality shoes, and consider using a shoe insert or orthotic, especially if you’ve had foot problems.

If you have back pain, neck soreness, or other posture problem — or want to find out how strengthening your posture can improve sports performance (ie golf, tennis, baseball) and wellness — help is available. Consult a certified posture exercise professional or other chiropractor, PT, or massage therapists trained to analyze posture pictures and teach individualized posture exercise routines for pain management and wellness.

Your posture is how the world sees you, and a bit of effort at strengthening your posture is an anti-aging habit to make you look and feel better, avoid injury and exercise effectively to stay active and age well.

Source: Dr. Steven Weiniger, www.bodyzone.com

Related Posts

  • Gait and posture and how they are connectedGait and posture and how they are connected
  • Improving posture in younger patients going back to schoolImproving posture in younger patients going back to school
  • Chiropractic for kidsChiropractic for kids
  • Contest offers bloggers chance to win ergonomic backpacksContest offers bloggers chance to win ergonomic backpacks
  • NUHS joins childhood obesity fightNUHS joins childhood obesity fight
  • ACA/teamCME set to certify DCs as transportation industry medical examinersACA/teamCME set to certify DCs as transportation industry medical examiners

Filed Under: Chiropractic News, News

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Upcoming April chiropractic workshops/conferences
  • Parker University announces technology partnerships for cutting-edge touch tables, software
  • Chiropractor wrestler attempts Olympic qualification, starts fundraising campaign
x