Body posture is not only an aesthetic issue. Poor posture can affect your health and proper functioning of your body. In this post, we will discuss the types of bad body postures, their consequences and how to improve them.

Body posture is how you hold or hold your body in static or moving position, such as sitting, sleeping, walking or lifting. The correct position is not only crucial for an aesthetic point of view but plays a vital role in ensuring optimal health. Poor body posture can lead to physical and functional disorders that affect the quality of life.

Low back pain

Low back pain appears almost always when the person remains seated for a long time with a hunched back, or when standing for a long time with a tilted waist. It can also result from lifting something substantial, which causes pressures at various points in the body. In general, this pain can extend to the buttocks and sometimes to the legs.

Discomfort in the central area of the back

Pain in the middle area of the back is common when the patient sits with an exaggerated thoracic curve or stays in a stationary position for a prolonged period.

Neck pain and headache

Neck and head pains are quite common and result from muscular tension. For example, excessive muscular tension on the cervical joints causes pain when the person stares straight ahead for a long time. Sometimes muscle tension is caused by stress, which could cause a continuous contraction of the jaw.

Bulky belly

Many people inadvertently walk or stand “pushing” the pelvis forward. Aesthetically, this poor body posture causes the abdominal muscles to move forward creating the appearance of a large tummy or belly, even in thin people.

How can a lousy posture affect your health?

Bad body posture can cause some of the following short-term consequences:

• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Misaligned bones and muscles, affecting the movement of the joints
• Wear and tear on the spine, making it more fragile
• Decreased flexibility and elongation
• Poor balance and, consequently, increased risk of falls and injuries
• Difficulty with digestion and breathing

Some of the long-term spinal conditions resulting from poor posture are:

Dorsalgia: Intense pain in the dorsal region of the spine. This usually occurs in people who work for long periods in front of a desk, or who do not have an ergonomic chair. It is often confused with simple back pain, which can spread to the sides or chest.

Cervicalgia: This is a pain in the neck that originates in the back when the posture is incorrect and forced for a long time. An excess of corporal effort can cause this condition. Its characteristics are tingling, weakness, loss of mobility, headache, dizziness or lack of balance.

Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine. It appears as a deformation that affects people who work for long periods in chairs that do not have the necessary ergonomics. This disease causes pain, fatigue, sensitivity, and even chest pain in very severe and advanced cases.

Torticollis is one of the most common conditions caused due to inappropriate postures when working or studying and even when sleeping in a position that does not allow the muscles of the neck to relax. It occurs when the cervical nerves become inflamed.

Epicondylitis is the inflammation of the tendons that join the muscles of the forearm and the hand with the epicondyle. It is a common elbow injury in people who engage in activities that involve a repetitive movement of the wrist or the constant use of the mouse and the keyboard of the computer without having the correct support.

These conditions can also be the result of using incorrect posture at work. They can be exacerbated by the constant use of technology, such as laptops and workplaces.

Adopt correct body posture

Having poor posture increases the risk of injury. Therefore, it is essential to learn to adopt a better body posture at all times.

To improve your body posture, here are some key recommendations:

Wearing Back Bracing: A corrective brace will provide support to the entire back while retaining the natural curve of the spine. It is made of extremely resistant materials and straps adaptable to each size of the back. Back braces have a lightweight and resistant model that provides support for the areas of the neck, shoulders and upper back. A fully functional belt is designed to carry the correct posture throughout the day. Its design is exceptionally discreet, can be worn comfortably under the clothes and no one will notice that you wear it. The straps are adaptable to any body type, including women, men, teenagers or children.

Correct Seated position: The back straight, the shoulders back and down, and the soles of the feet resting on the ground. Avoid the habit of crossing your legs. It can alter the circulation and cause swollen legs, more tired and with varicose veins. Get up and walk periodically.

Correct Standing position: Erect, chest up and abdomen contracted since the abdominal muscles are what help stabilize the body. Ensure that the weight of the body is well distributed on both legs and that the arms hang naturally.

When walking: Keep your head up and neck upright and avoid looking at the floor, as it may cause cervical pain. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

The footprint: The correct way to step is first with the heel of the foot and then with the tip.

When running: The elbows are flexed at right angles so that the movement of the arms accompanies the legs. Avoid the impact that occurs when stepping on the heel.

Sleeping position: To sleep well and avoid diseases it is better to sleep on your side and with your legs pulled up, as it keeps the spine in an appropriate position. Also, it helps to reduce annoying snoring.

With practice, you can improve your posture. Try these tips yourself and watch your posture improve