Is It Really That Important to Have Good Posture?

Yes, it is! Good posture is one of the easiest and simplest ways to keep your spine healthy.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis further highlights why it’s important to monitor and keep your posture in check.

What Does Good Posture Do?

Although good posture isn’t natural for many of us, it is an easy way to keep your back healthy for years to come. Why, you ask?

Well, sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep your nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments and tendons. People who make a habit of using correct posture are less likely to experience related back and neck pain, in addition to other negatives that we’ve listed below.

Negative Effects of Poor Posture

  • Spine curvature
  • Back pain
  • Increased headaches
  • Poor sleep and sleep disruptions
  • Digestive system issues

How Can I Improve My Posture?

Truthfully, the best way to improve your posture is just to be mindful of how your body is aligned throughout the day. If you find yourself slouching, straighten your back and neck. It can be annoying to constantly be correcting yourself, but, like most things, practice makes perfect.

We’ve listed some other ways to improve your posture below.

More Ways to Improve Posture

  • Stay active. Any kind of exercise can help improve your posture, but certain types of exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, can be especially helpful.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. In addition to hurting your posture, extra weight can weaken your abdominal muscles, cause problems for your pelvis and spine, and contribute to low back pain.
  • Make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height. If you typically sit at a desk that’s too high or low for you, adjust your seat or desk height.

If you begin experiencing lower back pain, it could be due to a lifestyle of poor posture. Don’t hesitate to stop by AFC Urgent Care Memphis to get the medical care that you need.