Did you ever wonder why your mother told you to stand up straight? Your body posture can increase your confidence. Studies show that standing up straight can even trick your brain into feeling more confident too!
There’s another reason to stand up tall: poor posture can lead to back pain. Back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work days in America. If you’re experiencing back pain, the team of providers at Premier Chiropractic encourages you to come see us.
In the meantime, here are the five ways that poor posture can lead to back pain.
Poor posture can make arthritis worse
Slouching — and poor posture in general — can lead to a misalignment of your spine. If you’re already dealing with arthritis in your spine, poor posture can make it worse.
Misalignments in your spine can even affect other joints like your hips or knees. And if you have arthritis in those joints, your symptoms could be exacerbated.
Strained muscles lead to weak core muscles
When you’re hunched over, your muscles — especially in your back and core — are strained. When your muscles are strained, it’s likely that they will become stiff and weak. Weak core muscles can lead to back pain.
Forward bends can lead to herniation
Poor posture refers to your posture while standing, walking, and even sitting. If you continuously sit slumped over and leaning forward, your spine is forced into a forward bend. This can put too much pressure on your lower discs. This increases your risk for herniated discs, another painful back condition.
Poor posture while lifting can lead to herniated discs
If you lift anything — from suitcases to toddlers to groceries — without good form, you’re increasing your risk of a herniated disc. When a disc is herniated, it can cause pain in your back. Because your nerves are compressed, it can cause pain to radiate into your legs, too.
Poor posture while laying down can affect your back
If you sit at work all day, it can be relaxing to lie down with a book, but your posture while laying down can affect your spinal health, too. If you lay on your stomach and extend your arms out in front of you, you’re forced to lift your neck up. This posture forces your lower back to bend backward too much to compensate. Excessive curving can increase your risk of back pain.
Improve your posture but still have back pain? We can help!
At Premier Chiropractic, we strive to help you feel better. If back pain is keeping you from living life the way you want, come see us.
To schedule an appointment at our Pearland, Texas clinic, call 281-223-1172.