How many of you heard your parents barking at you to, “Sit up straight,” or “Pull your shoulders back” when you were a child? Our postural prowess is something that was once deeply ingrained into our psyches. But times are changing. The Victorian era of hard straight backed chairs and prim and proper manners are rapidly being replaced with comfy couches that swallow you whole, smart phones that have you hanging your head towards the floor for hours on end, and slumped posture that is becoming so common people are starting to call it NORMAL. ACK!
There is a saying in Chiropractic that I simply love, “Structure determines function.” It applies to so many facets of life. The structure of your home can determine how functional it is. The structure of your day and your time can have a significant impact on your production and performance. Just like the structure (or shape) of your posture can impact your health, success, and longevity.
Posture is largely determined by the shape of your spine. Your spine is the armor protecting the delicate structures of your central nervous system. When your spine is strong and properly balanced your posture allows your Nervous System to send the signals that control every aspect of your function at high speeds. Strong posture is like the best cell signal no matter where you go. Just imagine…. a life of high-speed internet access and crystal-clear calls no matter where you are on the planet!
Unfortunately, life is full of hidden postural stress that collects over time. From the way you sleep, to the way you sit and stand, even the postural demands of your job (like repetitive motions or sustained positions for prolonged periods of time), not to mention old injuries (whether they caused you pain or not). All these stressors add up over time and weaken your body’s vital posture. When one area of your spine grows weak, other areas of your body start to compensate and become over worked. The weaker your posture becomes the more it compresses your spinal cord, your vital organs, and slows the vital flow of your Nervous System leading to all kinds of health problems, like:
- Spinal Degeneration
- Disc herniations
- Muscle Weakness
- Poor cognition and focus
- Headaches
- Poor digestion
- Menstrual or fertility issues
- Poor flexibility
- Bladder and bowel control problems
- Pain, numbness, tingling into the arms and legs
- Decreased ability to perform simple daily tasks
- Dizziness and balance issues
- High blood pressure
- Asthma or poor lung capacity
The stronger and more balanced your posture is the more vibrant your health can become. When your make your postural prowess a priority you will enjoy of life of vitality and longevity! So, don’t wait. Let us check your posture and make sure it is not holding you back from the life of your dreams.
