Bad posture is the posture that results from certain muscles tightening or shortening while others lengthen and become weak which is a result of one’s daily activities.
Type of Bad posture:
1. Rounded and elevated shoulders and a pushed forward head position.
2. Forward tilting of the hips, increase in the curve of the lumbar spine and a protruding stomach.
Causes of Bad posture:
There are numerous factors one may encounter that may come in the way of good posture. Bad posture may be due to an injury, a disease or because of genetics. Here are some reasons for Bad posture:
1. Injury and muscle guarding: After an injury, nearby muscles tend to go into spasm as a way of protecting the vulnerable area. Muscles in spasm will likely work in a diminished way until treated by massage or physical therapy.
2. Muscle tension and muscle weakness: This situation is when our body has areas that are too weak. It will not allow our body to be in the most effective manner.
3. Daily habits can lead to bad posture: Habits like we sit or walk, clothing, shoes, etc. We have to concentrate on all our activities and practice good.
4. Mental attitude and stress may lead to bad posture.
5. Back packs and computer use are associated with spinal distortions. Prolonged computer use with poor posture can deform the thoracic and cervical spine.
Side effects of Bad posture:
1. Soreness and Pain: Slouching causes our muscles to work harder. Poor posture puts a lot of stress on spine and causes lower back pain.
2. Sitting crossing our legs lead to lower back pain and spider veins.
3. Negative Mood; Good posture fights depression but bad posture invites it.
4. Increased stress: Increased physical and mental stress are negative effects of bad posture. Physical stress causes soreness and pain.
5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerves in our neck and upper back control muscle function in arms, wrists and hands, bad posture can effect these areas and cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
6. Less motivation: Since one of the effects of bad posture is lower confidence, less motivation can also stem from bad posture.
7. Poor digestion: Bad posture effects our digestion system also. Slouch and hunch over bunch up our organs and makes it harder for the body to digest food.
8. Fatigue: Poor posture makes body work harder to keep us upright and we will feel tired soon.
How we can correct our posture:
1. Bear our weight primarily on the balls of our feet.
2. Keep our knees slightly bent.
3. Keep our feet about shoulder width apart.
4. Let our arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
5. Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
6. Tuck your stomach in.P
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