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Posture is often related to respect; slouching does not make a positive impression. Beyond appearance, years spent with slumped shoulders, a curved back and forward stretched neck can have a negative impact on the body.
Poor posture places extra strain on certain muscles and joints that have to work harder than others, resulting in fatigue, soreness and musculoskeletal issues.
You might experience unexplained back pain or conditions that seem unrelated, like breathing issues or arthritis. Specifically, the muscles around your neck and upper back become routinely tight.
Bad posture also causes your immune system to work overtime, leading to inflammation that can aggravate arthritis and result in other joint issues. Considering this domino effect, learn what poor posture can do to your body.
Back and Shoulder Pain
Tension, stiffness and neck pain are often the first symptoms of poor posture. Physical therapy can help reduce the amount of stress on your body. The back and shoulders bear the brunt of stress, strain and resulting conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff tendons pressing onto the coracoacromial arch, resulting in constant pain
- Shortened lumbar muscles, aggravating lower back pain
- Corrective posture, which places strain on the lower back and results in upper back pain
Spine Alignment
Your spine is designed to curve from your neck through your upper and mid to lower back. Poor posture distorts spinal form, resulting in stress placed on other parts of the body. You may notice unexplained muscle spasms or a pinched nerve when your skeletal system shifts. When bones are in regular contact with your nerves, you can experience pain throughout the body.
Decreased Circulation
Oftentimes, poor posture stems from sitting all day in the same position. This can cause or worsen existing circulation issues, eventually leading to varicose veins, slower wound healing and related health concerns.
Digestion Issues
Poor posture compresses the stomach and abdomen, which places strain on your digestive track. Even with minor back pain, you may find that your digestive system operates sluggishly or you have nutritional issues, despite consuming a balanced diet.
Breathing Concerns
Similar to the issues affecting your digestive system, poor posture reduces the amount of space your diaphragm has to move in your thoracic cavity. You may notice you’re not able to take full, deep breaths. This decreases the amount of oxygen circulating throughout your body, which can affect your heart, brain and other organs.
Stress and Fatigue
As a cumulative effect of these factors, poor posture contributes to stress and fatigue. Throughout your body, tension and compression are increased on certain bones, joints and ligaments, while requiring them to work harder when you move.
Tension Headaches
Poor posture can tighten the muscles in your neck and upper back, altering the curve of your spine. Starting with upper back pain, the same sensation may spread to your head, resulting in tension headaches that don’t seem to respond to any treatment method.
Worsening Arthritis
The misalignment resulting from poor posture can spread to your knees, increasing the amount of stress placed on them. For individuals with arthritis, you may notice increased joint pain with no signs of improvement, regardless of making lifestyle changes.
TMJ Disorder
Poor posture can alter jaw alignment and throw off your bite. You may develop temporomandibular joint syndrome, which can cause popping, cramps, spasms or affect chewing.
What You Can Do
In addition to working with a physical therapist to correct misalignment and strengthen weak muscles, you may want to address:
- Your Workstation: Many adults spend a majority of their waking hours at a desk. Ideally, your shoulders and arms should be at a 90-degree angle and your computer monitor should sit at eye level. Looking down can place greater strain on your spine, increasing stress and risk of misalignment.
- Break Time: Whether you’re working, playing computer games or watching TV, take occasional breaks to move your body. Doing so helps improve circulation and reduces potential muscle fatigue.
Do you suffer from poor posture? Whether you’re experiencing pain, discomfort or circulation issues, work with the physical therapists at Integrated Rehab to correct your form. To learn more or request an appointment, contact us today.