Posture is the position of your body when you’re standing or sitting and how your spine is aligned with your head, shoulders, and hips. There is no perfect posture; however, good posture is having a neutral spine, where your muscle groups, joints, and ligaments are aligned in a way that reduces stress and pain. Having good posture keeps your body flexible, reduces fatigue, and helps maintain your balance. Bad or out-alignment is common, and it can affect your appearance, self-confidence, and general well-being. If your posture is out of alignment, it can lead to:

• Muscle or joint strain
• Neck, head, back pain
• Possible injury during exercise, work, or other activities

It’s easy to develop a habit of bad posture without noticing. Many people spend a long time leaning over a small screen, slouching in a chair, or carrying a heavy backpack when walking. Being overweight, pregnant, or wearing poor-quality shoes can also lead you to develop bad posture. Another common factor is scoliosis which is a condition that causes an abnormally curved spine. Luckily, you can improve your posture with exercises and visiting a professional chiropractor. 

4 Types of Posture Problems

1. Forward Head

Your head is positioned with your ears in front of the vertical midline of your body. It comes from hunching over a cell phone, computer, or steering wheel when driving. During the aging process, the forward head can become worse, and you lose muscle strength in your upper body.

2. Kyphosis

Referred to as an exaggerated curvature of your upper back where the shoulders are rounded forward. Younger people may develop kyphosis as a result of diseases such as polio or Scheuermann’s disease, infection, or cancer treatments. 

3. Swayback

When your hips and pelvis tilt forward, in front of your body’s midline. In this position, your lower back has an exaggerated inward curve, and it will look like you’re leaning back when standing up. You can develop swayback if you sit for prolonged periods. It can weaken your abdominal muscles and glutes. 

4. Flatback

This condition happens when the normal curve of your lower spine loses some of its curvatures. Your lower back looks straight, and your body bends forward. For women, it can be present at birth. It can also result from back surgery or degenerative conditions of the spine. 

Best Type of Posture

The most efficient type of posture is when your spine is aligned with your head and limb. Proper alignment means that your muscles and bones are in balance and protecting your body against injuries or stress that could cause degeneration of muscles or joints. 

When To Visit a Chiropractor

If your poor posture becomes bothersome or noticeably problematic, see a chiropractor to determine what’s causing the problem. If you would like some help improving your posture, Monitto Chiropractic in Asheville, NC, has the knowledge and ability to diagnose your postural issues and work with you on a treatment plan. Call us today to find out how we can help your health concerns.