Are you dealing with back pain and bad posture and don’t know how to find relief? Whether you’re sitting in front of a computer all day or suffering from post-injury pain, you can achieve great posture with the right changes. Lousy posture can start forming in childhood with improper sitting at a school desk for hours on end. Adults who work sedentary jobs, drive for hours or have weak back muscles can also develop bad posture. Keep reading to discover how you can achieve a healthy back posture with no pain and tightness.
Main Reasons for Bad Posture
There are many reasons for bad posture, most of which result from lifestyle habits, but some can be hereditary. For instance, if your job includes sitting on a desk in front of a computer and you ignore your back, you’re more likely to develop bad posture. Even if you stand up straight, you’ll still have bad posture as your muscles have gotten used to a specific position. Another reason for bad posture or misaligned spine can also be driving for long periods, especially if you’re a professional driver. Whether you drive a taxi or a truck, comfort and back support should be a priority for you. Otherwise, you may experience back pain, neck pain, and spine problems. Spending time on your phone, slouching in your chair, and back or neck injuries can also lead to bad posture. Luckily, there are many ways to fix these issues, so read on to learn about the possible solutions.
Solutions for Fixing Bad Posture
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or want to improve your posture, finding the right solution for you depends on a few factors. These include your lifestyle, work environment, the severity of your injury, and your sleep habits.
Change Your Lifestyle
One of the first and most essential steps for fixing a bad sitting posture is changing your lifestyle. From the furniture in your home to the time you spend on your phone, the solution for excellent back health might be right in front of you. Start with light stretches when you wake up in the morning and move your entire body, especially your back. During the day, get up from your chair every 30 minutes, stretch your body, or take a short walk around the room. On your break, avoid sitting and take a walk outside instead. If you drive home from work, make sure your seat is comfortable and in the proper position. Your tailbone should be as close to the back seat as possible to help prevent back pain. It would be best if you were sitting with a straight back, not slouching in the chair.
Visit a Chiropractor
One of the best things you can do for your posture is to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. They’ll assess your spine alignment and offer possible solutions. You should also see a chiropractor if you’re recovering from an injury, have chronic back and neck pain, or feel tension or stiffness in your neck and shoulders. A good chiropractor can help you sleep better, reduce pain, help reduce or eliminate headaches, improve your posture, and help with overall bone and joint adjustment.
Change Your Office Furniture
If you work in front of a computer, whether from an office or home, staying in one place for several hours can cause the spine to curve the wrong way. Staying in one position leads to back pain, headaches, and neck stiffness, as well as bad posture. One of the main culprits for these issues might be your office furniture. If your office chair is old and worn out, it’s time to switch to a modern ergonomic chair. If you work from your bed or the couch, make sure your back is well-supported, and your screen is at an eye level. Finally, if your desk is too low or too high, consider investing in a standing desk. You can then adjust the height based on your needs and switch from sitting to standing in seconds.
Change Your Bed Mattress
Your sleeping positions and bed mattress can contribute to bad posture. Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t support your back and hips can lead to spine misalignment and back pain. The same goes for your pillows – if they’re older than two years, it’s time to replace them. Investing in a high-quality mattress will change the way you sleep and wake up forever. It’ll also help your back readjust into a proper position so you can wake up well-rested instead of tired and groggy. Consider replacing your mattress if it’s more than 9-10 years old. You can also get a mattress topper for some extra support and padding for your back.
Do Neck and Back Exercises
Weak back and neck muscles are one of the main reasons for bad posture. When you don’t move or use those muscles very often and keep them in one static position, they get used to it and start changing your posture. Lousy posture is why you feel neck and back pain whenever you try to correct your posture or stay in a new pose for more than a few minutes. Weak back muscles can also lead to spine misalignment, rounded shoulders, and even a hunchback. Aside from light stretches during the day, your back and posture can also benefit from neck and back exercises. Strengthening these muscles is key to improving your posture and ensuring your spine is in its correct position.
Achieve a Great Posture and a Healthy Back With These Useful Tips
Whether you’re suffering from an injury or back pain due to prolonged periods of sitting, you can achieve a healthy back by following these simple tips. From changing your lifestyle habits to changing your office chair, you can reduce back pain and get your spine back to perfect alignment. Ready to get rid of bad posture and back pain once and for all? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.