PosturePoor posture is no longer a problem of the elderly or infirmed. Teenagers are now the leading concern of health professionals. Forward Head Posture is a serious problem and occurring in younger people for the first time in history due to the advancement in technology. As I often refer to it, “text neck” is pain caused by overuse of the head, neck, and shoulders due to long periods of time spent looking down at a cell phone, tablet, e-reader, mp3 player, laptop, and television.

Poor posture may also be due to factors such as carrying heavy backpacks as a child, injuries, spending long periods standing or sitting, improper sleeping positions, repetitive motions, prolonged driving, obesity, or lack of confidence.

“Forward Head Posture leads to long term muscle strain, disc herniations, arthritis, and pinched nerves.” – Mayo Clinic

Just what’s so bad about having poor posture, besides not looking as sharp as you could?

Well, quite a bit actually.

Did you know that 70-80% of all people visit the doctor at least once in their lifetime due to low back pain or a spinal problem?

When you slouch, so does your spine.

Slouching causes:

· distortion of your nasal and sinus cavities and ducts

· jaw pressure

· strain on the neck and low back

· pressure on throat cartilages

· diminished lung capacity

pressure on the kidneys, colon, and stomach

decreased circulation

· accelerated spinal decay and degeneration

“This increase in strain and pressure causes your tendons, blood vessels, and nerves to be stretched and pulled over ligaments and bone where they become pinched and restricted.” – OSHA

Poor posture starts slowly and silently, but by the time you notice it, it may be too late. It is a vicious cycle – poor posture leads to back pain which contributes to worse posture and in turn creates more pain. Not to mention exercising with poor posture which taxes your muscles and joints leading to early exhaustion due to poor circulation.

In honor of posture awareness month, my office is providing FREE posture screenings during the month of May utilizing state of the art computer technology to evaluate postural distortions. Becoming aware of your bad posture is the first step in changing it.

The side effects of good posture include:

· extra height (up to 3” of your natural height is lost with poor posture)

· less fatigue

· prevention of strains and wear on the joints

· decreased risk of arthritis and impairment of circulatory and digestive systems

· improved appearance

· reduced pain

Call today to have your posture checked!