Why is posture important?
Posture — how you hold your body — is something many of us take for granted.
But it’s so important as good posture can help prevent pain and safeguard the health of your spine, muscles and joints for the future. Let’s take a closer look at why posture is important and what you can do to improve it.
What is posture and what is good posture?
Posture refers to how you hold your body, whether you’re in a standing position, sitting or lying down.
Good posture is all about holding your body so that the least possible stress is put on your muscles, joints, bones and ligaments.
To understand more about good posture, it helps to know about the anatomy of the spine. It has three natural curves:
- The cervical curve, a forward-facing curve at the neck
- The thoracic curve, a backward-facing curve at the upper back
- The lumbar curve, a forward-facing-curve at the lower back
When you have good posture, alignment of these three curves comes naturally. Your muscles and joints also play a part. In a person with good posture, they are strong and flexible, supporting your body.
A person with good posture will also be aware of how they hold themselves and recognize any bad habits, such as slouching, that need correction.
Good posture benefits
There are so many benefits to good posture. Here are some of them:
- Ensures joints and bones are properly aligned so that the muscles work effectively
- Reduces the chances of joint wear and tear that can lead to arthritis
- Reduces stress on ligaments
- Improves efficiency of internal organs by ensuring they have space to function
- Aids optimal breathing and circulation
- Keeps the spine flexible and guards against conditions like scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine)
- Prevents aches and pains, including backache and headaches
- Enhances your appearance and confidence
What if I need help with my posture?
If you need help with your posture or are experiencing aches and pains, you could benefit from osteopathy.
Osteopathy uses non-invasive techniques to optimize your musculoskeletal system. It’s a discipline that takes a “whole person” approach to the patient being treated, offering solutions that complement your general health and well-being.
An osteopath can assess your posture and use non-invasive manual techniques to help restore your body to alignment. They can also offer lifestyle advice, such as how to set up your working and living environment to encourage great posture.
It’s an investment worth making if you are serious about improving your posture and ensuring that your body works at its very best.
Improve your posture with osteopathy in Calgary
Good posture pays dividends, now and in the future.
If you’re intrigued by how osteopathy in Calgary could help improve your posture and safeguard your health, get in touch.
Call us at 4038140404 or book an appointment online at osteohealthcalgary.janeapp.com.
Approved by Indira Ravaeva. Manual Osteopath. Member of National Manual Osteopathic Society and Osteopathy Australia.