Do you remember how your mom used to remind you about your posture every day? Turns out, she was right.
We now know that poor posture over years can put undue pressure onto the spine, supporting muscles, and ligaments. This can lead to everything from back pain to muscle strain and degenerative arthritis. Many of us do worse every day.
How can this be?
Research shows that poor posture can be caused by common factors like obesity, stress, unhealthy sleeping habits, improper walking, and even high heels.
The back pain that follows often hurts us in many ways. “Americans spend at least $50 billion each year (seeking relief from) back pain,”Notes the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for profit organization. “And it’s one of the most common reasons for missed work.”
Here’s a quick checklist for ensuring you are correct posture if you sit down to read these stats.
* Relax shoulders and keep forearms parallel to the ground when working at a keyboard.
* Don’t cross your legs.
* Use a footrest if your feet don’t reach the floor.
If you are not yet at the checklist stage, the federal Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recommended that spinal manipulation be performed by a chiropractor almost 20 years ago. “safe and effective, drugless”Treatment for low back pain sufferers
“Old habits die hard,” says Ron Kirk, DC, an avid supporter of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and founder of Straighten Up America (straightenupamerica.org). “But a doctor of chiropractic can recommend exercises to strengthen core postural muscles and can help you choose proper postures to reduce your risk of injury during activities.”
Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.yes2chiropractic.org.
Watch a related video at http://youtu.be/ye/ynGfJhUtalw.
