Posture effects many aspects of our life: muscle tension, emotional state, health and how we are perceived. No wonder so many people ask me about posture. First off I want to dispel some common myths. Poor posture does not lead to the extreme hunched forward posture you can observe in some elderly people. Poor posture can contribute but those extremes are the result of severe osteoporosis. Bad posture is not genetic nor does it cause scoliosis. There is a genetic component to our spinal curvatures, however that may only give us a predisposition for bad posture rather than the outcome. Scoliosis is a complex issue that can have many origins, but posture is not a contributing factor.
Why does bad posture happen? Reciprocal innervation is a reflex that inhibitors the an muscle during a contraction. This reflex is present in subtle forms with posture. If your shoulders are rolled forward activating the pectoral muscles which in turn inhibit the rhomboids and trapezius (back muscles) creating a feed forward situation where they gradually decrease opposition to the pectorals. Basically bad posture creates bad posture. Holding postures over long periods of time, even when relaxed, creates tight muscles and weakness in the opposite muscles. In turn we become more susceptible to injury.
Poor posture, standing and sitting, has a number of health implications beyond structural pains. Compression of the thoracic and abdominal regions can reduce lung and gastro-intestinal function. Lung function can be reduced by as much as 30% reducing your ability to absorb oxygen. The G-I tract uses peristalsis to move food through the system slowing digestions and potentially backing you up.
Our body is constantly rebuilding itself, but it does so in the way we use it. If we are constantly in bad postures, sitting and not getting enough exercise then we slowly lose our ability to stand up straight for long periods of time.
Bad posture can effect our emotional state, it is linked to higher rates of depression and decreased energy. A recent study showed a link between increase testosterone and decreased cortisol (bad stress hormone) with good posture.
People with poor posture are perceived as less important and less confident. They are look overweight compared to an upright posture.
Fortunately posture can be improved over time. The first step is awareness. Know when and where you have poor posture and catch yourself slouching. Secondly begin strengthening your mid back. I will have more on this later so stay posted.
Dr. Nelson
Why does bad posture happen? Reciprocal innervation is a reflex that inhibitors the an muscle during a contraction. This reflex is present in subtle forms with posture. If your shoulders are rolled forward activating the pectoral muscles which in turn inhibit the rhomboids and trapezius (back muscles) creating a feed forward situation where they gradually decrease opposition to the pectorals. Basically bad posture creates bad posture. Holding postures over long periods of time, even when relaxed, creates tight muscles and weakness in the opposite muscles. In turn we become more susceptible to injury.
Poor posture, standing and sitting, has a number of health implications beyond structural pains. Compression of the thoracic and abdominal regions can reduce lung and gastro-intestinal function. Lung function can be reduced by as much as 30% reducing your ability to absorb oxygen. The G-I tract uses peristalsis to move food through the system slowing digestions and potentially backing you up.
Our body is constantly rebuilding itself, but it does so in the way we use it. If we are constantly in bad postures, sitting and not getting enough exercise then we slowly lose our ability to stand up straight for long periods of time.
Bad posture can effect our emotional state, it is linked to higher rates of depression and decreased energy. A recent study showed a link between increase testosterone and decreased cortisol (bad stress hormone) with good posture.
People with poor posture are perceived as less important and less confident. They are look overweight compared to an upright posture.
Fortunately posture can be improved over time. The first step is awareness. Know when and where you have poor posture and catch yourself slouching. Secondly begin strengthening your mid back. I will have more on this later so stay posted.
Dr. Nelson
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