Poor posture is an all-too-common problem these days. Sitting at a desk for long hours, hunching over our phones, or slouching in front of the TV can all lead to poor posture that can cause pain and other health problems. Poor posture not only affects our physical health, but it can also affect our mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we'll be taking a look at how poor posture can lead to back injuries.

What is considered poor posture?

Poor posture takes a toll on your body's alignment when the muscles become either too tight or weak. This leads to an imbalance that forces the body out of its natural position and can lead to conditions such as Lordosis (excessive arching in the lower back), hunched forward shoulders, and slouching.

Not only can stress, strain, and every day activities result in a poor posture, but we may be unconsciously developing bad habits without even realizing it. 

Without understanding the value of having proper posture when sitting or standing for extended periods - such as at an office desk - many people are unable to maintain an upright stance correctly. Even more so however is that inadequate ergonomic workstations contribute immensely to improper posture formation; something which should not be overlooked especially if performing desk-based jobs.

But what does poor posture look like?

"Swayback" is a curvature of the spine at the lower back, causing an outward "S"-shaped curve with a protruding stomach and buttocks. 

Rounded shoulders are caused by tight muscles--a common problem for desk-bound employees--that pull one's shoulder blades downward and toward the chest. 

For those seated in front of computers all day, it can be easy to end up with what we call a 'pushed forward head position' when your neck strains too far in front instead of staying vertical; this can eventually lead to hunched posture.

How do bad posture habits impact your health?

Poor posture habits can cause a variety of distressing symptoms, such as balance issues, difficulty breathing, and muscular pain or numbness. These may occur in areas throughout the body including:

• Feet
• Hands
• Head/neck region
• Upper & lower back
• Hips
• Jaw
• Shoulders

Athletes are particularly vulnerable to bad posture habits due to their impact on biomechanics.

If left unaddressed for too long it could also lead to joint deterioration which increases one's risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Additionally, prolonged poor posture can have a domino effect on the body, causing newer problems to arise. 

For instance, if you habitually carry a heavy shoulder bag on one side, it may cause one shoulder to be higher than the other, leading to muscle strain in the back and neck as the back muscles compensate for the added load. Overused muscles can become stronger while underused muscles become weaker, leading to muscle imbalances and decreased function and mobility. This is especially concerning for older individuals who may be at greater risk of losing their balance and falling.

Here are some ways to improve poor posture

Good standing posture tips

1. Stand tall with good posture
2. Keep your shoulders back and relaxed
3. Engage your core muscles to maintain a flat stomach
4. Distribute your weight evenly on the balls of your feet
5. Keep your head level and aligned with your spine
6. Allow your arms to hang naturally at your sides
7. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance

Good sitting posture tips

1. Change your sitting position frequently
2. Stretch your muscles regularly to reduce muscle tension
3. Avoid crossing your legs; keep your feet on the floor with your ankles in front of your knees
4. Make sure that your feet can reach the floor or use a footrest if necessary
5. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid rounding or pulling them backward
6. Keep your elbows close to your body and bent at a 90-120 degree angle
7. Ensure that your back is fully supported with a back pillow or chair backrest
8. Make sure that your seat is well-padded and your thighs and hips are parallel to the floor for proper support.

Conclusion

Poor posture habits can have a significant impact on our health, causing balance issues, pain, and mobility problems. It is important to create good posture habits in order to maintain healthy body mechanics and reduce the risk of injury. Good posture can lead to improved physical and mental health, as well as better performance at work or school. Taking a few extra moments each day to ensure that your posture is correct can have long-lasting benefits for your overall well-being.

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