Poor posture is becoming more and more apparent in our high stress, fast paced, instant messaging lifestyle. With technology and fashion developing, we need to rethink how we are doing everything. Why wear high heels? Why have such a heavy handbag? Why is bra choice so important?
Before answering the WHYs… we need to know what normal posture is. When looking at the side of your body; you should have a straight line down your ear, tip of shoulder, hip and knee to the ankle. When looking at the front of your body; you should have a straight line down your nose, chin, sternum, belly button and pubic bone, dividing the body into two equal halves.
High heels put excessive pressure on the ball of your foot and they lean the body forward, which results in a host of problems; excessive pressure on your knees, the lower back arches, rotating your hips forward and pushing your spine out of alignment. Your chest and head are then pushed forward and the calf muscle is put under tension. Long term heel usage can result in bunions, hammer toes and Achilles tendonopathy.
Heavy handbags carried on one shoulder can cause scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine when looking at it front on. This also occurs in your kids, with their heavy school bags.
Your bra! Remember your breast size fluctuates at various times of your menstrual cycle, increases with weight gain or vice versa. Large breasts cause rounded shoulders, collapse of the mid back and forward projection of the neck. A wider strap that sits on the boney end of your shoulder (not the muscle) is best. Make sure the strap is not too thin to avoid pressure on the muscles leading to muscle spasm, headaches and rounded shoulder posture. Wrong sized bras can cause all sorts of problems and without the correct support you can end up in some serious pain as well as exacerbate your posture problems. Get measured professionally.
The good news? Posture can be corrected! Your fashion choices can be changed in a few small ways that can result in a big change. Visit your nearest chiropractor or medical professional for advice.
Written by Dr Bruce Grant and Dr Michael Wiggett of Grant & Wiggett Chiropractic.