Chiropractic Awareness Week 13th – 19th April
Chiropractic Awareness Week 13th – 19th April
YOUR POSTURE COUNTS
New consumer research by the British Chiropractic Association shows that, in just two years, the incidence of poor posture appears to have risen at an alarming rate. Over half (56%) of the UK population currently believe they have a bad posture, compared to 38% in 2007, an increase of 16%.
It seems that slouching is really sweeping the nation and the BCA is urging the nation to take proactive steps to improve its posture, as the UK back pain figures have reached an all time high. 72% of those questioned said they had suffered from back pain at some point, while nearly a third of the population is currently suffering.
Those surveyed told the BCA that the main triggers for bad posture are:
Sitting for long periods, Using computers/laptops, Carrying heavy bags, Lack of exercise, Tiredness, Driving, Choice of bed/mattress, Type of shoes/clothing worn
The good news is that the nation wants to stand tall, 74% of Brits want to improve their posture.
At Peverell Chiropractic Clinic we have a set of Core exercises that actually CHANGE your posture, you will notice a difference after approximately 3 – 6 months. Below are some before and after pictures of one of our patients who had terrible posture. He was very thin and tall for his age and was constantly stooping.
The Importance of Posture to Physical Development
If you have good posture you’ll stand straighter and look better but advantages to correct posture go further than your appearance.
In 1930, the White House Conference on Child Health recognized the importance of spinal integrity in the physical development of the child. Doctors have, since then, stressed how important it is to health, agreeing with chiropractors emphasis of the importance of good body mechanics AND STRENGTHING THE MUSCLES SUPPORTING THE SPINE WITH CORE EXERCISES.
The human body is subject to rhythm, balance, timing and coordinated action of all its components. Having the right posture enables the body to work more efficiently, allowing proper development.
Can Posture Affect Mental Attitude?
Your image is affected by your posture, as other people see you as you see yourself. It reflects your personality, your confidence, your attitude, your ability and your health.
There is an interrelationship between how you stand, sit and walk and how you feel. Other people can also tell whether you’re a positive or negative person, a strong or weak person, a healthy or ill person.
Check your Posture
There are a lot of tests for evaluating your posture, many needing precise instruments and expert evaluation. However, you may wish to give yourself a preliminary self-test.
Test 1
Stand with your back to the wall. Place head, shoulder blades, calves and heels against the wall. Place your hands at your
sides. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing the buttocks back against the wall. If the space at your back of your waist is greater than the thickness of your hand, your posture is not correct.
Test 2
Face a wall with your toes touching the wall. If your posture is correct, your chest will just touch the wall. If your head touches, your posture is fair. If your abdomen touches, your posture is poor.
Test 3
Face a full-length mirror and view your shoulders and hips. These areas should be level. If one shoulder is higher or one hip is lower, there is an imbalance in your posture which should be checked professionally.
If a postural problem is indicated as a result of the self-test, it would be wise to discuss it with your chiropractor. He will be able to determine if there is a health or developmental problem and recommend proper procedures. As a preliminary to treatment, the chiropractor will examine your spine and related tissues. You can depend upon his specialized knowledge to diagnose the problem, and offer corrective treatment and sound advice.
Poor posture can cause a lot of pain in both the upper and lower back
What Causes Poor Posture?
There are many reasons for poor posture, the most serious of which is a birth defect. Normally it’s a combination of several reasons that causes a person to have poor posture. Among the causes are the following:
1 Visual problems.
2 Emotional problems.
3 Excessive weight.
4 Foot problems or improper shoes.
5 Weak Muscles, muscle imbalance.
6 Improper nutrition.
7 Laziness.
8 Poor sleep support ( mattress )
9 Injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones.
10 Negative mental and physical attitudes.
11 Occupational stress and position.
Many Postural Faults Can Be Helped
If you have poor posture it can be serious in terms of health, comfort and efficiency, causing fatigue. Most of the problems caused can be helped. If you have what seems to be a postural problem then you should seek advice from a chiropractor. Unless there is an anatomical ( structural deformity ) or pathological ( disease-caused ) disturbance, the chances for correction are excellent.
Out Core exercise program produces excellent results, after a few months of doing the correct core exercises your posture changes……you stand straighter and taller because your muscles are supporting your spine and organs the way they were intended.
If poor posture is not corrected, it can affect the health and well-being of the individual. Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing: a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination, and poor venous return, each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs, but also the system. Tiredness and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.
What Are The Benefits Of Correct Posture?
1. Improves your health.
2. Improves your appearance.
3. Improves your coordination.
4. Increases your strength.
5. Gives you more stamina.
6. Makes your clothes fit better.
7. Gives you better body balance and makes you more agile.
8. Reduces the possibility of injury.
9. Gives you confidence.
10. Helps in physical and mental development.
tags: core strength exercises posture and health, core strength exercises,
GOLDEN RULES FOR CORRECT SITTING
To help to care for your back, use these simple back care tips in any chair, at work or at home. These are the basic tools for improving your sitting posture and preventing stiffness, fatigue, and injury. Always keep the three natural curves of your back in mind when you sit. Use good posture to support your three curves. Try to shift your sitting position often to take the strain off your lower back.
Sitting in Your Chair
Sitting Correctly
Some minor changes can reduce strain on your back. You can adjust the way you sit or adjust your chair. Aids such as a lumbar support can also help keep your spine aligned.
Support your lumbar curve
Maintain your lumbar curve with a lumbar support. Use a pre-made support, or make one with a towel rolled to 4 to 6 inches. Place it in the small of your back.
Tip forward
Help restore your lumbar curve: Tip your pelvis forward by adjusting the seat angle on your chair or by using a seat wedge. Use a pre-made wedge, or sit on a towel rolled into 2 to 3 inches.
Sit over your work
Help prevent slouching by sliding your chair under your desk as far as you can. That way, you’re sitting directly over your work.
Use document stands
Use a document stand or copy holder when you type or read. This will tilt your work up to eye level. Then you don’t have to lean over your desk.
Hold your reading at eye level
If you don’t have a document stand, try to hold your reading up at eye level. That way, you can maintain good posture.
Regularly move in your chair
Staying active in your chair helps keep muscles and ligaments flexible and relaxed. This can help prevent back problems. But be sure to move safely: Sudden bending and sudden twisting are two of the most common ways to hurt your back when sitting.
Shifting position
Shifting position can take the strain off your back and prevent back fatigue. Find two of three safe sitting positions you can use. Alternate throughout the day.
Take micro-breaks
Give your back a break. Move a bit if you’ve been sitting too long. Stand and stretch. A few minutes of easy back exercises throughout the day can make a big difference in how you feel .
Bend safely
When you bend over to pick something up, first slide to the edge of your chair. Then support your back with one hand on your desk and one foot in front of you.
Turn as a unit
When you turn, move your body as a single unit, rather than twisting. Try to keep your hips and feet pointed in the same direction you’re moving.
Support the phone
Support your “phone arm” on your elbow to keep your neck aligned. It also helps to switch sides often. Phone headsets are great if you’re on the phone a lot.
Plymouth Chiropractor Profile | Peverell Chiropractic Clinic Profile
CORE STRENGTH EXERCISES POSTURE AND HEALTH
CORE STRENGTH EXERCISES POSTURE AND HEALTH. A lot of people think that the spine is an inflexible rod but it is actually quite flexible. Its structure is strong and reflects the dynamic movement of the human body. It protects both the sensitive and delicate spinal cord and spinal nerves as well as supporting the body and all its organs. Every activity, even breathing, demands movement of the spine, ribs and attachments. The spine gives the human structure both strength and agility.
Human beings are classified as ‘biped’ meaning stands erect on two legs. This position gives man leverage, mobility and agility but at the same time can cause certain structural stresses.
The most obvious benefit of good posture is efficiency and comfort. But because of the interrelationship of the structural (bone) and functional (organ) systems of the body, posture can determine health. Poor posture comprises the movements of the rib cage and doesn’t allow the lungs to function at maximum efficiency in order to bring much needed oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide wastes. When body posture is not good other organs of the body can also be restricted. This causes structural stress.
A chiropractor specializes in body mechanics. He is concerned with structural, muscular and neurological aspects of the human body. With treatment he aims to maintain sound structure of the body by correcting spinal and postural problems. Remember core strength exercises posture and health are all inter-related.
The Importance of Posture to Physical Development
If you have good posture you’ll stand straighter and look better but advantages to correct posture go further than your appearance.
In 1930, the White House Conference on Child Health recognized the importance of spinal integrity in the physical development of the child. Doctors have, since then, stressed how important it is to health, agreeing with chiropractors emphasis of the importance of good body mechanics AND STRENGTHING THE MUSCLES SUPPORTING THE SPINE WITH CORE EXERCISES.
The human body is subject to rhythm, balance, timing and coordinated action of all its components. Having the right posture enables the body to work more efficiently, allowing proper development.
Can Posture Affect Mental Attitude?
Your image is affected by your posture, as other people see you as you see yourself. It reflects your personality, your confidence, your attitude, your ability and your health.
There is an interrelationship between how you stand, sit and walk and how you feel. Other people can also tell whether you’re a positive or negative person, a strong or weak person, a healthy or ill person.
Check your Posture
There are a lot of tests for evaluating your posture, many needing precise instruments and expert evaluation. However, you may wish to give yourself a preliminary self-test.
Test 1
Stand with your back to the wall. Place head, shoulder blades, calves and heels against the wall. Place your hands at your
sides. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing the buttocks back against the wall. If the space at your back of your waist is greater than the thickness of your hand, your posture is not correct.
Test 2
Face a wall with your toes touching the wall. If your posture is correct, your chest will just touch the wall. If your head touches, your posture is fair. If your abdomen touches, your posture is poor.
Test 3
Face a full-length mirror and view your shoulders and hips. These areas should be level. If one shoulder is higher or one hip is lower, there is an imbalance in your posture which should be checked professionally.
If a postural problem is indicated as a result of the self-test, it would be wise to discuss it with your chiropractor. He will be able to determine if there is a health or developmental problem and recommend proper procedures. As a preliminary to treatment, the chiropractor will examine your spine and related tissues. You can depend upon his specialized knowledge to diagnose the problem, and offer corrective treatment and sound advice.
What Causes Poor Posture?
There are many reasons for poor posture, the most serious of which is a birth defect. Normally it’s a combination of several reasons that causes a person to have poor posture. Among the causes are the following:
1 Visual problems.
2 Emotional problems.
3 Excessive weight.
4 Foot problems or improper shoes.
5 Weak Muscles, muscle imbalance.
6 Improper nutrition.
7 Laziness.
8 Poor sleep support ( mattress )
9 Injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones.
10 Negative mental and physical attitudes.
11 Occupational stress and position.
Many Postural Faults Can Be Helped
If you have poor posture it can be serious in terms of health, comfort and efficiency, causing fatigue. Most of the problems caused can be helped. If you have what seems to be a postural problem then you should seek advice from a chiropractor. Unless there is an anatomical ( structural deformity ) or pathological ( disease-caused ) disturbance, the chances for correction are excellent.
Out Core exercise program produces excellent results, after a few months of doing the correct core exercises your posture changes……you stand straighter and taller because your muscles are supporting your spine and organs the way they were intended.
If poor posture is not corrected, it can affect the health and well-being of the individual. Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing: a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination, and poor venous return, each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs, but also the system. Tiredness and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.
What Are The Benefits Of Correct Posture?
1. Improves your health.
2. Improves your appearance.
3. Improves your coordination.
4. Increases your strength.
5. Gives you more stamina.
6. Makes your clothes fit better.
7. Gives you better body balance and makes you more agile.
8. Reduces the possibility of injury.
9. Gives you confidence.
10. Helps in physical and mental development.
tags: core strength exercises posture and health, core strength exercises,
