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"Stand up straight." "Don't slouch in your chair." Even if you have never been in the military, you have likely been reminded that good posture is important. But do you know why?
An individual's posture is largely determined by the body's skeleton (bones), as well as the strength of the muscles that attach to it. Many of our daily activities can contribute to our overall posture, especially when the same movement patterns are repeated or maintained throughout the day. Our muscles respond to the demands placed upon them, but also become weak from lack of use.
Consider the following example. A worker who spends a large portion of his or her day seated at a computer may develop rounded shoulders, poor abdominal tone, and tight musculature around the hip region. These factors, among many others, can cause the person to have poor posture as the musculoskeletal system responds to the stresses (or lack of stress) placed upon it. Muscle imbalances result as certain muscles become tight, while others become weak. An imbalance not only affects the way a joint moves, and also can trigger additional problems if this unhealthy movement pattern continues long-term. Chronic joint conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis are commonplace, and sometimes difficult to resolve.
Poor posture is also related to balance disorders and an increased risk of falling in older adults. Poor trunk posture can also affect lung and digestive function, as the internal organs become more cramped together between the rib cage and the bones of the pelvis. Individuals can become short of breath or experience gastrointestinal problems, resulting in a less-than-ideal quality of life.
The good news is an individual's posture can be improved with exercise. A physical therapist or personal trainer can instruct individuals with postural concerns on appropriate exercises that will target problem areas. By strengthening weak muscle groups and stretching tight ones, muscle imbalances can improve and more normal joint mechanics will be restored. Over time, the muscles along the upper back and buttocks become stronger, and an individual will be able to stand erect with less effort.
If you are experiencing neck, shoulder, back, or hip pain that cannot be explained by a specific injury, some of your discomfort could be a result of poor body mechanics and/or posture. Talk to your doctor about your concerns to see if physical therapy could be beneficial in restoring proper joint mechanics.
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